BRITAIN’S BIGGEST MICROCOMPUTER MAGAZINE
U3 i r
Personal
IQS
US $3 00 FF 18 50 SFr 7 30 IR Cl 41 BFr 99 00
Lire 5.700 DKr 27 00 DM 9 5
World
August 1985 95p
THE BIGGEST SPLASH YET?
Exclusive: Commodore’s Amiga tested
From Silicon Valley Products
MICRO-BOOSTERS
Upgrade your PC) XT or AT up to 20 Mb from £599*
**“ ^ This price applies to the IBM XT 10 Mb only
Now you can boost the
storage capacity of your
IBM PC, XT or AT and also
get fast back up for all your
valuable information with
these new MICRO¬
BOOSTERS from Silicon
Valley.
Using half-height technology, these new
MICRO-BOOSTERS can be installed internally,
in place of the existing drives of your IBM PC,
XT or AT, or externally as simple add-ons.
The range of drives includes hard disks from 10
Mb to 180 Mb, (over 20 Mb - full-height drive) a
half-height floppy drive, a 10 Mb Tape Streamer
and a 45/60 Mb. Tape Streamer which operates
at a speed of 2.5 min per 10 Mb. All come with a
full 12 month warranty.
Free on-site maintenance on all Silicon Valley
installed Hard disks.
All at Unbeatable Prices
Just take a look at these prices for
Silicon Valley Micro-Boosters:
XT 10 Mb. boosted to 20 Mb. -£599
PC boosted to 10 Mb. - £799
PC boosted to 20 Mb. -£999
Tapestreamers
10 Mb. Tape Streamer - £799
45/60 Mb. Tape Streamer - £1,442
Half-Height floppy Drive -£149
Half-Height floppy Drive -£149
+ And most IBM Compatibles
IBM Complete Systems
If you would like to buy a complete and ready-
boosted IBM PC from Silicon Valley, including
256K RAM, 1 x 360K DD., Mono screen,
Keyboard DOS 2.1 the prices are only:
IBM PC plus 10 Mb. Micro Booster £2,500
IBM PC plus 20 Mb. Micro Booster £2,700
for further details or free demonstration contact
us now - before the rush
DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
164 Grays Inn Road,
London, WC1X8AX
Tel: 01833 3391
Telex: 262005 SILVALG
NEW BRANCH*
2-4 Paul Street,
London EC2A 4JH
Tel: 01247 8577
* Not IBM Authorised
Everyone can benefit from
Effective Micro Training
at Digitus
Introduction to Personal i
Computers
Provides a basic understanding of Aug 12
microcomputer hardware, software and
peripherals. Establishes the criteria for
selecting and using micros. Explains the
rudiments of programming 1 day. £105.
Introduction to DOS
Provides a concentrated introduction to Aug 5
PC/MS DOS Also reviews hardware
components and popular applications.
1 day. £105.
Lotus 1-2-3
A workshop course with advice on the Aug 6
design of worksheets and on solving
practicalproblems. 1 day. £105.
Advanced Lotus 1-2-3
Builds on existing Lotus 1-2-3 skills, Aug 22
presenting information on database,
statistical and file functions.
1 day. £105.
1-2-3 to Symphony
A practical conversion workshop for Sep 9
existing 1-2-3 users. 1 day. £105.
Introduction to Symphony
Provides a concentrated introduction to Aug 12
the main elements including spread¬
sheeting, graphics, information manage-
mentand "managers” wordprocessor
Teaches the basic skills needed to use
these features 2 days. £210.
Symphony Workshop
Consolidates basic skills and teaches Sep 12
advanced features including building
systems with the integrated package
and command language 2 days. £210.
Spreadsheeting with SuperCalc
A workshop course with advice on the Sep 23
design of worksheets and on solving
practical problems 1 day. £105.
Spreadsheeting with Multiplan
A practical workshop course on this pop- Sep 18
ular spreadsheet package 1 day. £105.
Introduction to Framework
Teaches the basic skills to operate the Aug 19
spreadsheet, graphics, database and
wordprocessing 2 days. £210.
Information Management
with Cardbox
A workshop course on design, Sep 2 7
applicationsand implementation.
1 day. £105.
All course fees are subject to VAT
Data Management with Delta
Teaches how to design, define and imple¬
ment systems using this powerful data
managementpackage 1 day. £105.
Working with dBASE II
Teaches the user how to build and
enquire from files and generate reports.
1 day. £105.
Programming with dBASE II
Teaches programming using the dBASE
procedure language and also file design
and indexing. 2 days. £210.
dBASE II Workshop
Builds on existing dBASE skills to teach
the more advanced use of the procedure
language and the practical application of
all these facilities 2 days. £210.
Working with dBase III
A practical introduction, including
building and using files and creating
reports and indexes 1 day. £105.
Programming with dBase III
Involves building commercial files
using the procedural language, and
covers the creation of menus, enquiries
and reports.2 days. £210.
Wordprocessing with WordStar
A practical workshop course which
teaches basic skills. 1 day. £105.
WordStar Workshop
A workshop to consolidate basic skills
and teach advanced commands.
1 day. £105.
MailMerge
Efficient use of WordStar for mailing
using MailMerge 1 day. £105.
Wordprocessing with
Multimate
A practical workshop course which
teaches basic skills 1 day. £105.
Multimate Workshop
Covering advanced features of Multimate,
providing an ideal follow-up 1 day. £105.
Wordprocessing with
DisplayWrite 2
A practical course teaching basic skills
on this increasingly popular IBM-oriented
wordprocessing package 1 day. £105.
SunAccount
A practical course for both experienced
and new SunAccount users. 2 days. £210
NEXT COURSE DATES
Aug 23
T
i
DisplayWrite 2 Workshop
A practical workshop consolidating
basic skills and exploring advanced
features e g maths function, paragraph
merging etc 1 day. £105.
Aug 7
Aug 8
Fundamentals of BASIC
Develops the first principles of BASIC
programming so that you can produce
programs on a microcomputer Gives
practical hands-on experience of
micros. 2 days. £210.
Aug 16
Aug 13
Sep 5
Aug 28
Aug 29
Aug 7
Aug 8
Aug 9
Aug 19
Aug 20
Aug 15
Aug 1
Improve your BASIC
Brushes up and improves BASIC Aug 15
programming technique, introduces
sophisticated methods of file design, data
organisation, access methods and control
Examines software tools 2 days. £210.
COBOL for Programmers
A practical introduction for non-COBOL Aug 2 7
programmers giving a good grounding in
all aspects of the language in a commercial
environment 3 days. £375.
Communications
Introduces the techniques of Aug 30
communicating between micros, from
micros to peripherals and from
micros to mainframes 1 day. £125.
UNIX
An introduction to the facilities of the Aug 19
UNIX multi-user operating system,
including the file system, shells and
editors, and a review of the problems
of system management
3 days. £375.
The C Programming Language
A tutorial on the main features of the Sep 9
C language, with extensive practical
sessions on a multi-user system
2 days. £250.
"C" Workshop
More advanced C programming skills
2 days. £250.
Sep 12
>l°««»“* 0 k «y ssues.
:urre «rtunityto discuss
)
TRAINING
I Send to, or phone:
* The Training Administrator, Digitus Ltd.
I Lading House, 10-14 Bedford Street.
* Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HE
I Tel: 01-379 6968 Telex 27950 ref 3005
From .
Company.
Address.
Please book places as follows \^\ or send me more details □
Course. Date. Places
IN-COMPANY
TRAINING
Digitus provides courses
tailored to the needs of
individual companies, from
seminars for management
to detailed training for
office and professional
staff. Courses can be held
on company premises, or at
the Digitus Training Centre.
Contact the Training
Administrator for full
details.
CONTENTS
Personal. $£l
Computer
V 0 I 8 N 08
Cover story begins page 136. Computer-aided
montage by Latent Image
August 1985
REGULARS
NEWSPRINT 110
Guy Kewney keeps his wary eye on the
micro industry, and talks to Clive Sinclair
about life with Robert Maxwell.
YANKEE DOODLES 124
The Big Country explored by David Ahl.
SUBSCRIPTIONS 128
Give your postman exercises in weight¬
lifting by subscribing to PCW.
LETTERS 130
Praise taken and warnings given, courtesy
of our readers — plus our Bludners sorted
BANKS'STATEMENT 134
Could 32 be brain-numbing, 16 overkill and
eight all you need? Martin Banks wonders if
there's too many bits around these days.
BIBLIOFILE 206
The best in books — David Taylor is our
man in the reading jacket.
SCREENPLAY 208
Reds are underthe bed in The Fourth
Protocol and there's fairies in the forest in
Elidon. Armchair sportsmen can try their
hand at International Basketball and On-
Court Tennis, and there's Chipwits, the
educational robot.
TJ'S WORKSHOP 212
Hints and tips enabling you to make the
most of your micro.
SUBSET 216
Rising to the challenge of machine coding
the 68000._
COMPUTER ANSWERS 218
Simon Goodwin is the man with the
solutions to your problems.
NETWORKS ^20
Peter Tootill continues the saga of Prestel
and updates his list of bulletin board
numbers.
END ZONE 222
Touchdown for Transaction File, Diary
Data, Leisure Lines, Numbers Count,
Computer Chess and ACC News.
PROGRAM FILE 232
To go with the Teach Yourself Logo series
we have a turtle graphics language
program for the BBC this month, and a
Logo database, so get typing and try out
your new-found knowledge. There are
games for the Commodore 64, Spectrum,
QL and the MSX range.
ADVERTISERS' INDEX 278
Who's where in this issue.
CHIPCHAT 280
Sid goes Bonkers, Linda reveals nearly all,
and Sir Clive gets converted on the road to
Oxford — read all about it in The Maxwell.
Founder Angelo Zgorelec Editor Graham Cunningham Production Editor Ginny Conran Acting Production Editor Kirstie Rogers Sub Editor Lauraine
Danker Business Computing Editor Peter Bright Staff Writers Nick Walker, Stephen Applebaum, Owen Linderholm Consultant Editors David Tebbutt, Dick
Pountain Editorial Secretary Tracy Dear Art Director Peter Green Assistant Art Editor Paul Ballard Typesetters Meadway Graphics 198 Victoria Road
Romford Essex Sales Director John Cade Publisher Tony Harris Publishing Manager David Mankin Group Advertisement Manager Duncan Brown
Advertisement Manager Bettina Williams Assistant Advertisement Manager Melanie Romiszowska Sales Executives Claire Barnes, Steve Corrick, Jeska
Harrington, Tony Keefe, Christian McCarthy, David Morgan, Isabel Middleton Advertisement Assistant Nicola Hall Advertisement Production Gerry
O'Sullivan
2 PCW AUGUST 1985
BENCHTESTS & REVIEWS
ZERO 2 166
Turtle robots come out of their shells,
courtesy of Intergalactic Robots.
PAPERBACK WRITER 174
COMMODORE AMIGA 136
Trying to curb your enthusiasm when
reviewing a new machine can be difficult —
particularly when that machine's
specification is as high as the Amiga's. This
could be a rich man's ideal games machine
and offer a new level in high-performance
business computing. Read the review and
see if you agree with our conclusions.
KAYPRO 286i vs
COMPAQ DESKPRO 286 152
While supplies of IBM's PC/AT are still slow,
the clone makers are starting to get in gear.
Peter Bright compares the first two PC/AT-
compatible desk-top contenders.
This marks the return of Adam Osborne
with a range of applications packages
including this word processor — and he's
still making sure that the price is right.
OF MICE AND GRAPHICS 176
Mouse-driven graphics packages are
breaking out at home — Stephen
Applebaum pulls down the menus and
picks his palettes.
JAZZ 180
Does this integrated business package for
the Macintosh have more going for it than
the kind of title headline writers dream of?
Peter Bright picks his way through the
pre-launch hype.
WINDOW SHOPPING 184
How much is that operating environment in
the window? Nick Walker puts GEM,
Windows and TopView through their
paces._
DATAFLEX 202
Is Dataflex part of the answer to the
problems of multi-user systems? Kathy
Lang assesses this database package.
FEATURES
FRANKLY FUNCTIONAL 148
Functional programming represents the
next stage on from using a structured
approach. David Elworthy puts theory into
Basic practice.
REAL LIFE 160
Computer simulation need not be a
daunting task. Mike Pidd explains how it
can be like using a computer to play
serious games.
NEW FOR OLD 168
How — and whether — to make the move
from the familiarity of WordStar to the
friendliness of WordStar 2000.
ALL IN THE CHIP 190
A detailed look at one of the advances in
Japanese research — a compiler on a chip
that promises to do the job 1000 times
faster than software-based systems. _
VISICODE REVISITED 194
How to receive television-transmitted
software. This month, Amstrad and
Spectrum users take their place alongside
Commodore 64 and BBC owners.
LOGO LISTS 198
Harvey Mellar continues this Teach
Yourself series with a look at Logo list
processing.
PCW Subscription Enquiries Stuart Cruickshank Subscription Rates UK: £15, Overseas £40 Subscription and back issues address 32-34 Broadwick Street,
London W1A 2HG, tel: 01-439 4242 Advertising address 32-34 Broadwick Street, London W1A 2HG, tel: 01-927 9016 Editorial address 32-34 Broadwick
Street, London W1A 2HG, tel: 01-439 4242. All departments Telex: 23918 VNUG — No material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written
consent from the copyright holders © Computing Publications Ltd 1985. Typeset by Meadway Graphics, 198 Victoria Road, Romford, Essex. Printed by
Chase Web Offset, St Austell, Cornwall. Distributed by Seymour Press, 344 Brixton Road, London SW9, tel: 01-733 4444.
AUGUST 1985 PCW 3
ATT
PRICE GUARANTEE
PROVIDE A WRITTEN LOWER QUOTATION
FROM AN AUTHORISED DEALER WITHIN 7
DAYS OF PURCHASE AND THE
DIFFERENCE WILL BE REFUNDED!
CALLERS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
EPSON
QX16
SPECIALISTS IN EXPORT
APPLE |
; OLIVETTI
MAC 512K 1880*1
MAC128K 1345B
1 M24 2x360 DRIVES^!
| MAC DRIVE 256 1
IMAGEWRITER10" 285 1
1 M24 10Mb 25671
1IMAGEWRITER15" 395 ■
1 M21 2x360 DRIVES 1
1 ACC. KIT 301
1 1322
1 'CALL FOR SPECIAL MAC\
SYSTEMS OFFER 1
1 M21 2x720 DRIVES
1 1644
1 LIMITED PERIOD ONLY 1
APRICOT 1,
f SOFTWARE j
★ £1000 OFF ★
portable>^795
I PC 2 X 720K + Mon 1500 1
PC 2 x 315K + Mon 1350 1
Ixi 10Mb + Mon 2150
I POINT 3210Mb 2395 1
SYSTEMS
DESIGNED FOR YOUR
REQUIREMENTS
INCL BACK UP!
JAZZ
NOW AVAILABLE
FOR 385
CALL FOR
UP TO
40% OFF
PRINTERS
SPECIAL
HEAVY DUTY RICOH
DAISY WHEEL PRINTER 480
TOO MANY TO LIST -
CALL FOR PRICES
IBM
PRICES NOW
SLASHED
RING NOW: 01-720 7 im
ATT
VKA
(T l ) INDUSTRIAL units
?n A n, W ^H TREET LONDON N1 6RY
TEL. 01 -729 7033 Telex: 296119 DATALEX G
YOU CAN GET ONE
AT A SUPER PRICE
01-337 4541
from
01-337 4541
CONCORDIA COMPUTERS
6 CENTRAL ROAD, WORCESTER PARK
SURREY KT4 8HZ
AMSTRAD INTERFACES _
THIS IS NOT JUST 1 MODEM, BUT A COMPLETE [ l#ni
SYSTEM. NOTHING ELSE TO BUT _ A JUC
HARDWARE
1 I I I I I
•nurDrrrrDi
** MODEM ★★
★ £153.00 ★
Incorporating senal and parallel interfaces, to allow
software control of all functions, each feature controlled
from basic with the bar commands Call from m/c or on
entering bar modem all controls are menu driven for
ease of use, bell/ccitt standards 300/300 600 1200 1200/75
75/1200 full and half duplex. Auto dial and auto answer
contact bulletin boards, prestel compatible, software
buletrn on its own sideways Rom Unique panel display, it
displays what the modem is doing, mode of operanon,
and digits when auto dialing, standard B T plug connec¬
tor Note this modem is not B T approved
★★ SIDEWAYS ROM ★★
★ £26.05 ★
The unit holds 4 Roms. Each can be 2, 4, 8 or 16K in size
incorporating a device to allow slower Roms to be used
less than Amstrad suggested 200, that means cheaper
Roms, free utility Rom with every unit
RS232
Communicate with your modem
Talk to other computers
Use senal printers
Split Baud rates
Standard 25 way D’ connector
£39.96
PARALLEL PORT
Make that Robot move
Control electncal appliance
Twin 8 bit ports
Operates direct from basic
2^14 way speedblock connectors
£22.57
8 BIT PRINTER PORT
Make use of that 8 bit printer
Allows character codes
Above 127 (leO to 255)
Plugs in between centronics
Port and printer cable
£17.35
& SOFTWARE
All units art cased and ha vs through connectors
★ Please add VAT *
rF
-ELECTRONICS
I I I I I T t
4 IVW AUGUST 1985
15 Hill Street, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5BS
Tel: (04853) 2076
U !
Honeywell Compuprint:
the printer every computer
would love to have.
\JEU_
BV1UJ UEU.
ttOHEWEU. .
jl HONE YW£ l L' :
ANTE CHE TUTj,
\rER VORREB fiy
,05 okoehM
w»W!i
34 CQ Printer: standard serial and parallel interfaces.
IBM, Epson and Diablo protocols. Fast draft speeds
every stress possible to confirm
its durability, product quality and
(up to 270 cps) and superior correspondence quality reliability. It goes without saying \ ©vas^asra
Connectaoie
to all the leading
makes of computer such as
IBM, Televideo, Apple,...
printing selectable at the
touch of a button. Integrated
single sheet feeding and
automatic sheet feeder option.
Everyone has a right to seek out
perfection. And every Honeywell Compuprint 34 CQ
in concept and design, has been
subjected to the most severe
technological evaluation in the search
for perfection. It has experienced
Together, we can find the answers.
Honeywell
Honeywell Information Systems Italia
that a Compuprint 34 CQ can print
in different fonts and characters.
The most demanding tests have proved its flexibility and
quiet operation and its compatibility with any computer
That’s why everyone would love to have such a printer
For further information please contact:
Honeywell Information Systems Italia
Maxted Road, Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP2 7DZ Tel. 0442/42291
(ext.4546-4320-4547) Tlx 82413
*0. jdttk
INTRODUCING.. .THE TULIP
SYSTEM PC SERIES.THERE
CAN BE ONLY ONE WINNER IN
THE PC COMPATIBLES RACE.
More Dealers Wanted for our complete product-line. Please contact: LONDON: David Ri^hlJD 01-363-3746 WEST MIDLANDS: Pearl
Computers LTD 05432-22976 EAST MIDLANDS: Contraplex Computers LTD 0332-360571 EAST ANGLIA: Moonraker Computers LTD
0603-610413 SOUTH WEST: Newport Technical Services LTD 0272-878312 TRAVEL AGENTS. Status Travel Systems 021-6325277
Records are made to be broken they say -
but this is easier said than done. It is
possible only after much preparation and
practice.
That is why Compudata did not join the
rush to enter the race to introduce the first
personal computer on the market.
We carried on quietly - developing two
personal computers which could enter the
second race - with no handicap.
And now patience - as always - has been
rewarded and two personal computers,
the Tulip PC advance and the Tulip PC
compact, developed by Compudata, are
ready to compete. The quality and price of
these computers put them well ahead in
the field for the performance award.
They have special features to be found in
none of their rivals in the same class.
As we said, the PC advance and the PC
compact may not have been
the first, but
they certainly are the best.
TULIP SYSTEM
TULIP SYSTEM
PC ADVANCE
PC COMPACT
Microprocessor
8086
8088
Clock
8 Mhz
8 Mhz
Arithmetic co processor (opt.)
8087/8 MHz
8087/8 MHz
Memory (standard)
128 Kb
128 Kb
Expandable upto
640 Kb
512 Kb
Graphic formats (7 colors)
320/640x200
320/640x200
(monochrome)
640x200/400
640x200/400
Display formats
80x25 monochr
80x25 monochr
40/80x25 color
40/80x25 color
International character sets
11
11
Interface: Keyboard
IBM comp. (2)
IBM comp. (1)
Parallel 1 0
Centronics comp.
Centronics comp.
Serial I/O
RS 232 compatible
RS 232 compatible
Floppy disk contr.
2 drives
2 drives
Expansion bus for
IBM comp, boards
3 slots
4 slots
Expansion slots I/O
piggy backed
piggy backed
Lightpen
TTL compatible
TTL compatible
Real time clock
yes
yes
Clock/calender with battery
back-up
yes
no
Monitor EPROM
16 Kb
16 Kb
Floppy disk drives 40 trk
2x360 Kb
2x360 Kb
80 trk (opt.)
2x720 Kb
2x720 Kb
Hard disk drives (optional)
1x10 Mb
1x10 Mb
1x32 Mb
1x32 Mb
Operating system (standard)
MS-DOS 3.1
MS-DOS 3.1
Programming languages (standard)
GW-BASIC
GW-BASIC
Optional add-on units
tape back up
tape back up
10 Mb + tape
10 Mb + tape
32 Mb + tape
32 Mb + tape
Transportable set
yes
no
Compudata COMPATIBLES available
from £1,150,-.
igMiiMftimiiiiiiii
%
3 _
Compudata B.V. Hambakenwetering 2 5231 DC 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands Tel.: +31 73 42 20 45 Telex: 50316 cdata nl
CHANNEL ISLANDS: A.G.L. Computers 0534-30662 IRELAND: Datatronics Systems LTD, Dublin 6965859/978856
‘We would like to appoint dealers for our equipment. Please contact Compudata Head Office and ask for the export department’.
TECHNOLOGIES»LIMITED
your next product
Right now you are probably planning your
next product. A workstation. An intelligent
terminal. A network file server. Or perhaps an
embedded control system.
Whatever your application, benchMark 186 is
the computer you need never design.
Because we’ve done it for you.
It is so resourceful, you are only bound by
your imagination. It is blessed with an elegant
architecture and abundant computing power.
Its superb high resolution graphics and text
display are unheard of in this price range. Yet
it only costs around £750 in quantity.
And while we are taking care of quality and
the production, you can be spending more on
your new application.
But our support does not end there.
We also provide you with an excellent
software development environment. With
many languages, libraries and tools to match.
So you need not invest in expensive
development systems.
We even throw in a multitasking real-time
executive, and a concurrent debugger with
each board we sell.
And if you are not really looking forward to
interfacing that laser printer, ask us. We can
probably do it for you. We may even go out of
our way to customise the board if your order is
a large one.
We can also save you precious time with our
training programme. In hardware. Software.
Or both. Servicing should not be a worry
either. With our specially designed tools we
will show you how to test your product quickly.
Because we know your success is ours, we
work harder when you do. So before that
important exhibition you can contact us round
the clock on a special hot-line we provide.
And as we are a British company we are
never more than a short journey away. If it
cannot be said over the phone, we will come
to you to help.
At benchMark we pledge loyalty to our
customers. In fact, convince us, and we may
even give you an exclusive deal in your
immediate field.
So if you are interested and want to get on
board fast, contact us.
We will talk to you.
benchMark Technologies Ltd
11 Victoria Road, Kilburn
London NW6.
Tel: 01-624 5681
benchMark 186
single board computer
for OEMs
HAROWARE SPECIFICATIONS
CPU
80186 6 or 8 MHz
EPROM
32K
RAM 128K to 1M on board
VIDEO
16K separate character butler
upto 1280 x 800 pixels bit resolution
upto 160 x 60 characters text resolution
upto 16 x 32 bits character resolution
Fully bit mapped graphics
Soft character set of upto 2000 characters
Full attributes and soft scroll
Composite or direct video drive
COMMUNICATIONS
Two full RS232 channels with independent baud rate generation and with
loop-m loop-out capability
Asynchronous and synchronous protocols
FLOPPY
Controller for a upto 4 double sided double density 8 5 25 or 3 5 inch drives
HARD DISC
On board SASI bus and support for 2 hard disc drives
(fixed * removable)
KEYBOARD
Parallel or serial keyboard interface
PRINTER
Centronics compatible parallel keyboard interface
REAL-TIME CLOCK
Battery backed clock with time calendar and alarm functions
CMOS RAM
50 bytes of battery backed RAM
IEEE 488
Full electrical implementation of the IEEE 488 instrument control bus
DMA CHANNELS
2 floating DMA channels Most peripherals can be DMA and or interrupt
driven
TIMER COUNTERS
3 uncommitted timer counters with external trigger and clock inputs
EXPANSION BUS
Fully buffered expansion bus with access to interrupts DMA channels and
TIMERS
ADD-ONs
8087 floating point module (November 84 1
Proximity string correlator module (January 851
PCB
CAD/CAM 4 layer PCB (330mm x 280mm i
SOFTWARE
MS-DOS 2 11
Multitasking implementation of MS-DOS operating system
The operating system itself also runs as a task
C COMPILER
Specific support for the Lattice C compiler and tools with benchMark
specific libraries
bRTX
benchMark multitasking real-time executive
bCD
benchMark concurrent debugger
bVT220
benchMark VT220.VT100 VT52 emulation
bSAS
benchMark signature analysis stimuli
bDEF
benchMark hardware definition libraries
MS-DOS IS a trademark ot Microsoft Inc
lattice is a trademark ot Lattice Inc
benchMark 186 bRTX bCD bVT?20 bSAS bDEF are trademarks ot nenrnMark Techno iq,e <.l ra
Prices and specifications are
subnet to ebanqe without note*
COMPUTAPLANT (UK) LTD brings to you the most
11 COMPETITIVE PRICES YET
APRICOT PC TWIN 315K.£1220
APRICOT PC TWIN 720K.£1360 CONTACT ONE OF OUR
APRICOT X110mb.£2060 BRANCHES FOR FURTHER
APRICOT X110S.£2635 DETAILS ON:
APRICOT XI 20mb.£2995
APRICOT XI 20S.£3245 MULTIUSER SYSTEMS,
APRICOT 9" MONITOR.£170 SOFTWARE, BESPOKE
APRICOT 12" MONITOR.£210 SOFTWARE SYSTEMS,
EPSON RX 80ft .£220 INSTALLATION, TRAINING,
EPSON FX 80 £320 MAINTENANCE AND FINANCING
EPSON FX100.1!. ..£410 A1 TCDM ATIX/CI v
EPSON DX100 £350 VISIT 0NE 0F 0UR BRANCHES
CANON PW1156A.£379 F0R A FREE DEMONSTRATION
EPSON LX80 FRICTION AND TRACTOR FEED DDAM/'LICO AT
100 CPS DRAUGHT, 22 CPS NLQ.£250 Dh AIMUll tO A I
CROMWELL MEWS PENWOOD HOUSE
^_ 5 STATION ROAD ST BREWARD
ST IVES BODMIN
) \ I CAMBS PEI 7 4BH CORNWALL
X Tel- 0480 300169 Tel: 0208 850918
i OMPUTAPLANT
THOUGHTS & CROSSES
37 MARKET STREET, HECKMONDWIKE, WEST YORKS
COMPUTERS
Apricot FIE 128K + 315K disk drive £625
Apricot FI 256K -f 720K disk drive + (with FREE software incl
Superwriter, Supercalc, Superplanner) £850
BBC Plus Microcomputer (includes DFS) £499
BBC Microcomputer Model B £349
BBC Model B with DFS £399
Acorn Electron (+ £40 FREE software) £129
ZX Spectrum 48K (+ £50 FREE software) £99
ZX Spectrum Plus 48K (+£50 FREE software) £129
Memotech512 £265
Commodore 64 (i £40 FREE software) £179
Apple lie with 2 disk drives and controller £985
Amstrad CPC464 (green) * £100 FREE software £239
Amstrad CPC464 (colour monitor) + £100 FREE software £349
Amstrad CPC664 (col with disk drive) £439
Amstrad CPC664 (green with disk drive) £329
Sinclair QL £359
PRINTERS
Canon PW1080A with NLQ (+ FREE printer lead) £315
Canon PW1080A (♦ FREE QL Interlace) £315
Canon PW1156A with NLQ £395
Panasonic KX-P1091 with NLQ £315
Smith Corona D100 £215
Epson P40 £95
Epson RX80 POA
Epson RX80F/T.
Epson FX80
Epson FX100
Brother HR5 (Centronics or RS232)
Brother AC adaptor.
Brother HR15 (Centronics or RS232)
Brother Cut-Sheet Feeder
Brother Keyboard
Brother EP44
Brother 1009 (Centronics)
Juki 6100 (Centronics Daisy Wheel)
Juki 2200 (Typewriter Daisy Wheel r
Juki Tractor Feeder
Juki Sheet Feeder
Daisy Step 2000 (Centronics Daisy Wheel)
Uchida (Centronics Daisy wheel)
Quen Data (Centronics Daisy wheel)
Shmwa CPA80 (Centronics)
ShinwaCPA80 (RS232)
Mannesman Tally MT80 Plus (Centronics)
Shmwa CP80 (Centronics)
Commodore MPS 801
Alphacom 32 (Spectrum/ZX81 model)
POA
POA
£155
£17
£375
£220
£150
£235
£189
£350
Printer Cent or Ser) £275
£129
£220
£250
£250
£250
£205
£236
£199
£195
£210
£105
£65
Alphacom 32 (Spectrum ZX81 me
CCP 40 (4 colour Printer Plotter)
PRINTER INTERFACES
Epson RS232 Interlace
Epson RS232 Interlace with 2K Butter
Canon RS232 Interface l<hi
Shinwa RS232 Interface with 2K Butter £60
Mannesman MT80 RS232 Interlace £25
Mannesman MT80 2K Buffer £10
Juki RS232 Interlace MO
Kempston Intertace-E (rom). £39.95
Kempston Interface-S (cass) £29.95
Tasman Interlace (cass) £35
QL Centronics interface £30
Atari Centronics Interface £70
Downsway Centronics Interface £30
Turbo Print GT Centronics Interlace (supports CBM64 graphics) £70
Stack Centronics Interlace for Commodore VIC20 64 £20
IEEE to Centronics Interlace for Commodore 4032 8096 £70
IBEK CBM64 to Parallel Interlace £60
Tripler Centronics interface for Commodore VIC 20 64 £50
Apple HE Centronics (Anstocard) £69
Apple HE Serial Interlace Card £69
Electron Plus 1 £58
PRINTER RIBBONS
Epson MX/FX/RX 80
Epson MX FX 100
Seikosha GP100 .
£4
£8
£4 50
£4 50
£2 30
£12 50
£6 50
£7
Seikosha GP80
Microline (group 66)
Anadex .
MPS 801
NEC 8023
Canon PW1080A
Canon PW1156A
Epson 100 refill
Shinwa CP30CPA80
Mannesman Tally MT80
Riteman A1.
Panasonic KX-PIIO(MTX)
QUME MS
QUME nylon
Diablo MS
Diablo nylon
Diablo SS .
Juki 6100 SS
Juki 6100 MS
Brother EP44
Brother HR5.
Brother Ml009
Brother singlestrike HR15/25
Brother correctable HR15/25
Brother multistrike HR15/25
Others available, please ask
Print Wheels also available, please ask
PRINTER LEADS
BBC Centronics printer lead
BBC Serial printer lead
Memotech Centronics printer lead
Dragon Centronics printer lead tiu
One Centronics printer lead £10
Amstrad Centronics printer lead. £10
Einstein Centronics printer lead £10
Wafadrive to Centronics lead — Spectrum £10
Spectrados to Centronics lead — Spectrum £10
ZX Interface 1 to RS232 D — Spectrum £14.95
QL to RS232 lead £14.95
Centronics to 25-way D lead £15
Centronics to Centronics lead £15
RS232 D to RS232 D'. £13 50
PRINTER PAPER
1000 Sheets of continuous tractor feed paper £9
1000 Single Double tractor feed labels £6.50
Alphacom Roll (black) £1.40
MONITORS
Microvitec 1431 MS (standard res suitable for BBC etc) £199
Microvitec 1451 MS (medium res suitable for BBC etc) £290
£8
£3 30
£6 50
£6 50
£7
£9
£4 30
£6 50
£5
£2 30
£2 99
£3 80
£10
£10
£10
Microvitec 1431 MZ — Spectrum
Microvitec 1451 MQ — Sinclair QL
Microvitec 1451 APMS4
£245
£250
£345
£78
£210
£210
Philips 7502 anti-glare green screen monitor (20MHz)
Commodore 1702
Fidelity TV/Monitor
Fidelity CM 14
£179
Fidelity QL Monitor (std res)
£199
Amstrad Modulator
£30
DISK DRIVES
ZX Microdrive—Sinclair
£45
ZX Interlace 1 — Sinclair
£45
ZX Expansion System (includes Microdrive. Interlace 1/Tasword
Two/Masterfile. Ant Attack/Games Designer)
£95
Commodore 1541 + Easy-Script + 6 programs
£210
Torch Disk Pack — Torch
£800
Memotech (single) — Memotech
£410
Memotech (dual) — Memotech
£800
Amstrad 3" drive — Amstrad
£190
Electron Plus 3—Acorn
£210
CUMANA
Single without PSU
CSXL 100 100k 40T
£99
CSX 100 100K40T
£109
CSX 200D 200K 40T DS
£129
CSX 400 400K40 80TDS
£149
CUMANA
Single with PSU
CS 100 100K40T
£129
CS 2000 200K40TDS
£159
CS 400 400K 40 80TDS
£179
CUMANA
Twin drives with PSU
CD 200 2 x 100K40T
CO 400D 2 x 200K 40T DS
CD800S2 x 400K 40 80T DS
OPUS
Single without PSU
5401 100K40T
5402 200K 40T DS
5802 400K 40 80T DS
OPUS
Single with PSU
5401P100K40T
5402P 200K 40T DS
5802P 400K 40 80T DS
OPUS
Twin Drives with PSU
5401D2x100K 40T
5402D 2 x 200K 40T DS
58020 2 x 400K 40 80T DS
3-100K40T
DISKETTES
Parrot Wabash 3M Scotch
S S S D 40T 10 for
S S D D 40T 10 for
D S D 0 40T 10 tor
D SO D 80T 10for
Parrot diskettes include FREE library case
£249
£299
£329
£118
£155
£180
£145
£183
£208
£265
£349
£399
£99
£15
£16
£20
DYSAN DISKETTES
104/10 S/S D/D 40T 10 for
104 2D D S D/D 40T 10 for
204 20 DS D/D 80 T 10 for
3" Maxell Diskettes — single
3 5" Hewlett Packard single
3 5” Hewlett Packard — double
PVC COVERS
Apricot FI
BBC
Acorn Electron
BBC Cassette Recorder
ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum Plus
Saga Keyboard
Sinclair QL
VIC 20/64
Dragon 32/64
Memotech 512
Amstrad CPC464
Amstrad Monitor (green)
Amstrad Monitor (colour)
Philips Monitor
Microvitec 14"
Canon PW1080A
Epson FX80
Epson RX80F/T
Epson RX80
Shinwa CP80
Mannesman Tally Ml80
MPS 801
Brother HR15
Apple He
Apple lie & Monitor
Seikosha GP80
Seikosha GP100
Juki 6100
Over 40 different covers available fc
availability and puce
SPECTRUM PERIPHERALS
ZX Microdrive £45
ZX Interface 1 £45
ZX Expansion System (Includes Miciodnve/lnterface 1/Tasword
Two Masterfile/Ant Attack-Games Designer C95
Spectrados DDOS (disk drive prices as per BBC with PSU) £89
DK Light Pen £18
Datel Light Writer £18
Games Board £3.95
DK Spectrum Keyboard
DK 3 Channel Sound
Saga Keyboard
Microdrive Library Case
Extension to Keyway (ribbon)
Currah Microslot
Microdrive Extension Lead
Microdrive Cartridge
Pack of 4 Cartridges
Currah Microspeech
Datel Vox Box
Wafadrive.
2 Wafa Cartridges (64K)
VTX 5000 Modem
£20
£28
£32
£4 50
£4 50
£5 50
£6 50
£3 99
£2 99
£2 90
£1 99
£2 99
£4 50
£3 99
£2 99
£3 99
£3 99
£3 99
£3 99
£4 80
£4 30
£4 80
£4 80
£4 80
£4 30
£4 30
£4 30
£4 30
£4 30
£5 60
£4 50
£5 75
£3 50
£3 75
£5 60
)i vanous computers Phone tor
£28
£45
£5 95
£12
£6 95
£5
£1 99
£7 50
£22
Tel: (0924) 402337 for General Enquiries.
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT + CARRIAGE
Shop open 9-5pm Mon-Sit. Mall Ordar 9-8pm Mon-Sat
Tel: (0924) 409753 for Credit Card Orders only.
EXPORT ORDERS WELCOME
AUGUST 1985 PC W 9
Have you put a CLIP
in your Winchester?
CLIP — Compressed Library Interchange Program
CP/M CP/M-86 PC DOS MS DOS £105.
• Backs up a Winchester
on to floppies.
• Compresses text or data to
less than half size.
• Large files can span multiple
discs.
• Selective backup or retrieval, on an
inclusive or exclusive basis.
CLIP has no equal in reputation,
convenience, power or economy.
EFFORTLESS BACKUP
You can save commands for later use, or
type commands directly.
CLIP has its own menu, with seven
prepared commands. Customise the
commands if you wish, or edit the menu text
with a word processor. Or keep the standard
forms. All your housekeeping —
save/restore/review — by pressing two keys.
CLIP comes standard with Winchester systems supplied by
Olympia, Cifer Systems, Research Machines and Philips, British Telecom
And is highly recommended by other major manufacturers
O
All prices excl. VAT, post free in U.K.
KEELE CODES LTD Most popular disc formats from stock.
University of Keele, Keele, Staffordshire, U.K. Tel: [0782] 629221 Telex: 36113
4 >
ALL-TIME CP/M MICROCOMPUTER
SYSTEM BARGAIN!
Fantastic bulk purchase of a major European
manufacturer's entire stock of this top-quality
machine enables us to retail it at far below its
manufacturing cost. ALL FEATURES LISTED
are INCLUDED as STANDARD:
• COMPLETE with EITHER single or double
(as illustrated) TEAC half-height 5V4"
double-sided, double-density floppy disc
drives. Formatted capacity: 320Kb per
drive.
• 4 MHz Z80A CPU
• 64Kb RAM (in 4164 chips)
• 28Kb EPROM containing monitor & MICROSOFT
BASIC
• CP/M Version 2.2
• 80 x 24 display with colour block-mode graphics
• Exceptionally high quality styled keyboard with
numeric keypad & 6 function keys
Centronics parallel interface
RS232/V24 serial interface selectable 300-9600
Baud
UHF Modulator for TV & composite video output
ROM port. (A Word-Processor ROM is available at
£69+VAT)
6 month full guarantee & option to return within
14 days if not absolutely delighted
PRICES (monitor not included): With DUAL floppy: £347.00 (£399.05 incl. VAT) With SINGLE floppy: £250.00 (£287.50 incl. VAT)
CARRIAGE: £9.50 (incl. VAT) Visa & Access accepted 'jgP
Available ONLY from:
COMPUTER APPRECIATION, 16 Walton Street, Oxford OX1 2HQ. (0865) 55163 TELEX: 838750
MATMOS Ltd., 1 Church Street, Cuckfield, W. Sussex RH17 5JZ. (0444) 414484/454377 or (0444) 73830 pcw8/85
JAZZ & MACINTOSH
Jazz 512K
£399 £
£1895
THE PORTABLE
HP 110
HP 110: Uses industry standard
operating system, MSDOS and is
made more friendly with HP’s
PAM which gives easy access to
the program packages. Lotus 123
and Memomaker are built into
ROMs giving spreadsheets, sim¬
ple graphics and note making —
making it a useful tool for the
executive on the move.
£2595
List price £2995
HEWLETT PACKARD
CALCULATORS
PRINTERS
HP 11C.
£63
Printer
£call
HP15C
£99
Cassette Drive
Ecall
HP12C
£99
HP 75C
£599
HP16C
£99
Visical pack
£119
HP41CX
£173
Text Formatter
£78
HP41CV.
£249
Data Com Pac
£144
Card Reader
£145
HP-15011
£call
H-150B
HP-150: dual 720kb 3Vi?" disk drive 256kb RAM,
keyboard High resolution (512x390) monitor
£2299
HP Think Jet
Fast 150 CPS, quiet 50 dBa(A). High
print quality 11x12 charactercell,
96x96 (192) dots per inch. Disposable
print head. Pin and friction allows you to
use single sheets as well as fanfold
paper. £399
Lazerjet Printer
A silent but speedy masterpiece. 300
CPS for best letter quality. Unbeatable
resolution whether it is text, charts or
diagrams and it's compatible with the
IBM PC and Wordstar, Lotus packages
c £2950
Plus 12 month on site warranty
OLIVETTI M2
4
10MB + 640KRam
20 MB + 640K Ram
. £2399
. £2699
OLIVETTI M2
1
PC. It uses the full 16 bit 8086
chip running at 8MHZ, which
makes it more than twice as fast.
It combines monochrome text and
colour graphics, offering a 640 by
400 pixel higher resolution mode.
The quality of the screen is excel¬
lent. The M24 has 128k of RAM
(can be up graded to 640k RAM),
serial and parallel ports, clock/
calendar and reset button and is
cheaper than an IBM having the
same specifications.
£1499
OLIVETTI M21 PORTABLE PC
K ,T|
M21: It is self contained with an
Intel 8086-2 chip, 128k of RAM a
9in amber screen with, brightness
and contrast controls, colour
graphics adaptor, printer adaptor
serial RS232C port and two lock-
able 360K MFD 5.25in floppy disc
drives. It includes a built in clock/
calendar and LED indicator. The
Olivetti M24 has a better screen
than the IBM and runs more than
twice as fast as either IBM or
COMPAQ.
£1499
OLIVETTI
M24: Not only is it stylish but
technically superior to the IBM
EPSON COMPUTERS & PRINTERS
i* •» »
HX 20
£395
EPSON PX-8
PX8: Uses CP/M operating sys¬
tem and has an 8 line by 80
column LCD screen. CP/M 2.2,
Microsoft Basic, Wordstar, and
Cardbox + are built in ROM, with
64K RAM available
£795
PRINTERS
FX 80 £349
FX80F/T £259
FX100. £499
P80X. £250
P40. £87
P80 £159
Epson colour printer £560
Epson Plotter £399
Epson LQ1500 £call
OKI Microline93 £464
Cannon PW1080A £289
Canon PW1056A £419
Panasonic Printer. £299
Silver Reed EX550. £489
Silver Reed EX500 £279
SMY MODEL 10 Word Processor
from £2595 inc Printer
The Model 10 is probably the
smallest WP system on the mar¬
ket and incorporates all the easy
to use features of SONY WP
Sony word processing opens up
a whole new world of office
efficiency taking in text editing,
text processing, arithmetic cal¬
culations, records management,
communications and data pro¬
cessing.
Simplicity is the central feature
of the Model 10 system. The
High resolution screen, display¬
ing black characters on a light
blue background, ensures visual
clarity and comfort Embolding,
underlining, centering and in¬
dentation can all be seen before
printing. The keyboard is easy to
operate designed specifically for
typing. The SONY PAL (personal
audio learning) system enables
the secretary to use the Model 10
quickly and without fuss. Please
call for demonstration and price.
lasha
Business Systems
191 Kensington High Street, London WN
Authorised Dealer
APPLE — COMMODORE — HEWLETT PACKARD — EPSON — SONY
OLIVETTI
01-937 8529
Monday to Saturday 9.30-6.30pm
• TBS reserves Lie right to change advertised prices
• Add 15°o VAT
• Goods subject to availability
Tel: 01-037 7N96
t) 1-037 3366
Telex: 946240 (C AVI ASY ( i) MB'.X No. 19001120
AUGUST 1985 PCW11
Micro General the Specialists for Printer Selection
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! Bring your micro to us and match with our range of printers - full workshop facilities /
available to iron out all technical hitches! CALL US FOR PRINT SAMPLES. TRADE or PRIVATE CUSTOMERS take /t
advantage of our INTERFACING CONSULTANCY. INTERFACES & CABLES AVAILABLE FOR: • SINCLAIR QL /<M
• COMMODORE 64 • OSBORNE • MSX • SPECTRUM • SIRIUS • EINSTEIN • SAGE • AMSTRAD and more!
SMITH CORONA
MICROLINE
BROTHER
New primer range from the
leading office equipment supplier
EPSON & IBM selectable
New Slimline design thats quieter, faster and superbly reliable.
IBM PC Version available
• Ml 82 parfser.al/IBM 120 cps from £299 + VAT
• Ml 92 par/senal/IBM NLQ from £399 + VAT
• M193 spec as 192 132 col from £549 + VAT
• NEW 84XS Host of options: Bar coding, 30K buffer, Muln Lingual,
Scientific fonts, Qume/Diablo, Arabic.
3 print modes: Draft, Memo & Correspondence from £1295 + VAT
FASTEXT 80 - 80cps ideal for home user - parallel - £170 + VAT
D100 - 120cps - parallel - £220 + VAT
(Serial interface for F80/D100 - ^58 + VAT)
D200 - 160cps Draft 80cps NLQ Serial & Parallel as standard -
£299 + VAT
D300 - 160cps, 132 col, NLQ 80cps Serial & Parallel interface
standard - £495 + VAT
Diablo compatibility, 3K Buffer 2 colour printing.
• HR15 13cps Serial or Parallel £375 + VAT
• HR15 keyboard £150 + VAT
• HR25 25cps Full width 16 £699 + VAT
• HR35 35cps Full width 16 £899 + VAT
• 2024L MATRIX NLQ 80cps, Draft 160cps, Diablo/Epson selectable
£999 + VAT
ZIYAD Paperjet Printing Systei
CANON Laser Beam Printer
A Selection of well known printers offered at
really low prices for a limited period only. ALL
EX-STOCK.
• 80 cps 80 col parallel
from £135 +VAT
• 120 cps 80 col parallel tractor feed
from £185 +VAT
• 160 cps 80 col NLQ tractor feed
from £255 + VAT
• 160 cps 132 col NLQ tractor feed
from £375 +VAT
Cnsp, '"m
clear images
on plain paper -
to 8 pages per minute
RS232 or CENTRONICS.
Features include:
• Multiple character pitches in a Ime
10,12,13.3,15 CPi, P.S., etc.
• Multiple font - maximum 1 5 fonts/
(internal font, font cartridge)
• Character enlargement - doubling i
• Down loading of fonts
• Takes up to A3 paper §r yJ
• Automatic position sensing on manual feed
• Integral Dual paper feeding
• Integral envelope feeder
• Automatic Address storage for envelope printing
• Diablo 630 or QUME Sprint Compatible
APRICOT FI
MICRO GENERAL'S
Epson LX-80 Friction NLQ
Epson LX-80 Tractor option
Epson LX-80 Sheet feeder
Epson FX80160cps
Epson RX100 lOOcps
Epson FX100160cps
Epson LQ1500 200cps
Canon PW1080A 160cps
Canon PW1156A 160cps
Canon PJ1080A 7-COLOUR
Shinwa CPA-80P Par lOOcps
Shinwa CPA-80S Ser lOOcps
Panasonic KC-P1091 120cps
a full blown business micro
For the first time business user a genuine
business machine with some amazing ‘high
tech’ features. - See the Apricot’s mouse
execute previously complex tasks at a
single key stroke, and the new infra-red
device means there’s no cable connection
to the keyboard, giving desk top planning a
new meaning.
• 256K RAM 720 single disk.
• MS-DOS
• Rapid Display manipulation and special
effects.
• Expansion and Outport facilities.
• Colour/Mono Monitor or VHF for your
£269.00
£325.00
£799.00
£256.00
£279.00
£453.00
£479.00
£799.00
£825.00
OKI HIGH SPEED MATRIX
OKI 2350 Par. 350cps
OKI 2410 Par. Graphics
£1755.00
£1875.00
• Extremely light (under 13lbs) - totally
MODELS FROM
£299 +VAT
SUMMER
SALE!
Collates paper and envelopes
- AUTOMATICALLY!
Lighten up to
LASER PRINTING!
£3195
portable.
• Price includes SuperWriter, SuperCalc,
& SuperPlanner software.
• Well over 1000 software packages now
available.
from £7 per week
CALL FOR DETAILS
DEMO NOW
= PLOTTERS
CUMANA BBC DISK DRIVES
EPSON HI-80 £400.00 CSX100 40T S/Side 100K
HITACHI 672 £495.00 CSX200D 40T D/S.de 200K.
CSX400 8CT D/Side 400K
CD200 2x40T S/S-de 200K
• All prices exclusive of VAT. CD400D 2x40T D/s.de 400 K
CD800S 2x80T D/S.de 800K
MICROVITEC 14 COLOUR
£109 00 MONITORS
£1 19.00 1431-MS 452 PIXEL BBC £216.00
£166.00 1451 MS 653 PIXEL BBC £260.00
£259.00 1456-LI 653 IBM, Apricot £395.00
£285.00 1456-DQ 653 Sinclair £239.00
£360.00
DEALER/OEM ENQUIRIES WELCOME
■ Always call for the best possible price. Access/Visa
GFNFRAII (PCW8)
v ^ LI NLIXrALJ Unit 25, Horseshoe Park, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 7JW Tel: 07357 4466
12 PCW AUGUST 1985
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIHIIKIlli
BROTHER 2024L
Letter Quality Dot-Matrix
Built-in tractor feed. High speed printing —
96 CPS (LQ Elite), 160 CPS (draft). Up to
four carbon copies, bi-directional logic seek¬
ing . £995
BROTHER HR35
Daisy Wheel Printer
Specially developed for the office that de¬
mands a high output of high quality printing.
7K bytes buffer, two-colour printing, super/
subscript, 35 CPS, auto-underlining, bold
printing . £899
BROTHER HR15
A superb printer offering high quality daisy
wheel print, for an exceptionally low outlay.
HR15 offers two-colour printing, shadow
printing, proportional spacing, superb sub¬
script and auto-underlining. 50 CPS bi¬
directional . £375
BROTHER TC600
The Teleprocessor
The Brother TC600 puts a computer tele¬
communications system in your briefcase.
Not a computer, just a portable electronic
typewriter, but a fully functional telecom¬
munications terminal that incorporates many
of the advanced word processing features
found on desktop models.£415
BROTHER EP44
A feature loaded printer with 24 x 18 dot
matrix print head, 4K memory, built-in RS-
232C serial interface and 15 character
display. Light, compact and battery po¬
wered — will fit into your briefcase. £219
BROTHER M-1009
A compact high quality printer with full 80
column printing, 9 pin dot matrix head, 50
characters per second, built-in RS232C and
Centronics, and bi-directional text/uni¬
directional graphic printing. £199
BROTHER HR-5
This quiet and versatile thermal transfer
printer delivers high definition 9 x 9 dot
matrix text over 80 columns at 30 characters
per second. Incorporates RS232C, Centro¬
nics or Commodore interface. Either bat¬
tery or mains powered . £149
BROTHER HR-25
An exceptionally high quality daisy wheel
printer with a 3K buffer memory, bi-direction¬
al speed of 25 characters per second, 2
colour printing, super/sub script, auto under¬
lining, text emboldening and proportional
spacing. Also text reprinting facilities £699
Jazz £399
APPLE CARD:
INSTANT CREDIT AVAILABLE
UP TO £2,500
ORDER LINE 01-937 8529
4
Fat Mac
512K
£ 1,899
LIST PRICE £2,599
/limited\
/ STOCK \
lasha
Business Systems
191 Kensington High Street, London WS
Authorised Dealer
APPLE — COMMODORE — HEWLETT PACKARD — EPSON — SONY — OLIVETTI
01-937 8529
Monday to Saturday 9.30-6.30pm
• TBS reserves the right to change advertised prices
• Add 15% VAT
• Goods subject to availability
Tel
01-937 7896
01-937 3366
Telex: 946240 (CVVEASY Ci) MBX No. 19001120
AUGUST 1985 PCW13
CUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIimillll»IMIIII>lllll>llllll»IIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII>lllllllll>llll»>IH>NI»H"l>ll | > 111111111111111111111111111111
SAVE OVER £1000 ON THE OLIVETTI M24
OLIVETTI M24 with 64 ok ram
OLIVETTI INTERNAL 10MB HARD DISK
OLIVETTI MONITOR
OLIVETTI KEYBOARD
MS - DOS
RRP £3523
OUR PRICE £2500
SAVING £1023
SIMILAR SUPERDEALS AVAILABLE ON ALL
OTHER OLIVETTI COMPUTERS AND PRINTERS
OLIVETTI M21 10MB PORTABLE with 128K RAM
OLIVETTI INTERNAL 10MB HARD DISK
1 x 360K DISK, INTERNAL MONITOR AND
KEYBOARD, MS - DOS, CARRY CASE
RRP £2995
OURPRICE £2195
SAVING £800
THE PROFESSIONAL CHOICE
COMPLETE SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND TRAINING AVAILABLE
FULL MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
NEXT DAY INSURED DELIVERY AVAILABLE
MAYFAIR
MICROS
BLENHEIM HOUSE, PODMORE ROAD,
LONDON SW18 1AJ
TEL: 01-870 3255 / 871 2555
We accept official orders from UK Government and
Educational Establishments. Mail Order and Export
Enquiries welcome. Callers by appointment.
Ttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
SPACE-SAVING
FURNITURE AT
ACCOMMODATING
PRICES
The Apollo business desk range from
Opus Supplies brings a little high-style
into the hi-tech age. But, with prices that
start at only £100, these are desks
designed to suit your computer system
and your pocket.
Smart, modern, appearance combined
with robust construction and practical
styling ensures that Apollo desks will fit
into any working environment; office or
laboratory, classroom or sales area.
Sturdy steel underframes support
shelving with scratch-resistant surfaces.
The top shelf has sufficient room for a
monitor and printer while below the lower
desk top will accommodate your computer,
hard or floppy disc drive and software.
You can choose left or right handed
drawers for extra storage and all Apollo
desk units are equipped with lockable
castors.
Generous dealer, government and
education discounts are available.
To: Opus Supplies Limited, 55 Ormside Way,
Holmethorpe Industrial Estate, Redhill, Surrey.
Please send details and brochure of the
Apollo business desk range □ (please tick)
or please send me the address of your
nearest stockists □ (please tick)
Name
Address
THE APOLLO RANGE -
STYLISH DESKS
TO SAVE YOU SPACE AND MONEY.
Telephone
Opus.
)|hin Sunplio LkJ
...
BEST DISKS
BEST DEALS
BEST SERVICE
BEST DISKS
BEST DEALS
BEST SERVICE
DISKING FREEPOST, LIPHOOK, HAMPSHIRE GU30 7BR, UNITED KINGDOM
How to contact us:
General Enquiries & Sales (0428) 722563; Trade/Government (0428) 722840; Telex —58623 Telbur G
DISKETTES
Datalife
Prices exc VAT and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
51/4”
525 S/S 48 tpi
550 D/S 48tpi
577 S/S 96 tpi
557 D/S 96 tpi
High Density (IBM PC AT)
5W' Diskettes
MDHD1.6MB
3V2' Microdisks
MF 350 S/S
MF 360 D/S
Unlabelled 3' Microdisks
UL 350 S/S
UL 360 D/S
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
20.90
18.90
17.90
16.90
15.90
23.90
21.90
20.90
19.90
18.90
23.90
21.90
20.90
19.90
18.90
28.90
26.90
25.90
24.90
23.90
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
46.90
* 44.90
43.90
42.90
41.90
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
40.90
38.90
37.90
36.90
35.90
50.90
48.90
47.90
46.90
45.90
34.90
32.90
31.90
30.90
29.90
44.90
42.90
41.90
40.90
39.90
DISKING
Prices exc VAT and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
51/4" J "
DID S/S 48 tpi
D2DD/S 48 tpi
D1QS/S 96 tpi
D20 D/S 96 tpi
■V
STORAGE & ACCESSORIES
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
15.90
13.90
13.40
12.90
12.40
17.90
15.90
15.40
14.90
14.40
17.90
15.90
15.40
14.90
14.40
22.90
20.90
19.90
19.40
18.90
DI5KING
Prices exc VAT and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
COLOURED Disks
}s relate
to Ten-Packs
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
14.90
12.90
12.40
11.90
11.40
15.90
13.90
13.40
12.90
12.40
20.90
28.90
17.90
17.40
16.90
Verex
5V4 Diskettes
150 S/S S/D
200 S/S D/D
250 D/S D/D
8 Diskettes — Call for prices
MEMOREX
Prices exclude VAT and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
5V4 Diskettes
3481 S/S 48 tpi
3491 D/S 48 tpi
3504 S/S 96 tpi
3501 D/S 96 tpi
High Density (IBM PC AT)
5V4.009 Diskettes
55001.6 MB
3 V 2 Diskettes
6100 S/S
6120 D/S
Dysan
Prices exc VAT and quantities relate toTen-Packs
5V4"
IDS/S 48 tpi
2D D/S 48 tpi
1DD S/S 96 tpi
2DD D/S 96 tpi
1
20.90
23.90
23.90
28.90
2-4
18.90
21.90
21.90
26.90
5-9
17.90
20.90
20.90
25.90
To order the colour of your choice, just f
the appropriate letter, (R) RED, (0) ORANGE, (Y) YEL
GREEN, (B) BLUE.
10-19
16.90
19.90
19.90
24.90
20 +
15.90
18.90
18.90
23.90
le number with
OW, (G)
DISKING
BULK DISKETTES
10-40 disks gets you a FREE Flip ’n File. 10 with every ten-pack, OR
Buying 50 disks entitles you to a FREE Budget 50 storage box.
All Disking bulk diskettes are supplied with user & write protect labels.
No points with Bulk diskettes.
Prices exc VAT and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
20.90
18.90
17.90
16.90
15.90
23.90
21.90
20.90
19.90
18.90
24.90
22.90
21.90
20.90
19.90
28.90
26.90
25.90
24.90
23.90
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
46.90
44.90
43.90
42.90
41.90
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
40.90
38.90
37.90
36.90
35.90
50.90
48.90
47.90
46.90
45.90
5V4"
UL1DS/S 48tpi
UL2D D/S 48 tpi
UL1DDS/S 96 tpi
UL2DD D/S 96 tpi
10-40
10.00
12.00
12.00
14.00
50+
8.58
10.58
10.58
12.58
maxell
Prices and quantities relate to Ten-Packs
5V4' Diskettes
104/ID S/S 48
104/2D D/S 48
204/IDS/S 96
204/2D D/S 96
1
22.90
29.90
29.90
34.90
8' Diskettes — Call for prices
k_
2-4
20.90
27.90
27.90
32.90
5-9
19.90
26.90
26.90
31.90
5V4’ Diskettes
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
MD1-DS/S 48
22.90
20.90
19.90
18.90
17.90
MD2-DD/S 48
29.90
27.90
26.90
25.90
24.90
MD1-DD S/S 96
29.90
27.90
26.90
25.90
24.90
MD2-DD D/S 96
34.90
32.90
31.90
30.90
29.90
3 Vf Microdisks
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
10-19
20+
MF1-DD S/S
40.90
38.90
37.90
36.90
35.90
18.90
17.90
MF2-DD D/S
53.90
51.90
50.90
49.90
48.90
25.90
24.90
3" Compact**
1
2-4
5-9
10-19
20+
25.90
24.90
CF2 D/S
39.90
38.90
37.90
36.90
35.90
30.90 29.90 ** FREE Memorex VDU Cleaning Kit per pack
8" Diskettes — Call for prices
J
HOW TO ORDER
U.K. P & P RATES
Official Government Orders Welcome
We supply all Government bodies including schools,
Universities, Colleges, Hospitals, the Utilities, Re¬
search Establishments, Armed Forces, the Ministries
and Local Authorities world-wide. If ordering in
quantities of fifty diskettes or more, please ask for our
wholesale price list.
Credit Card Orders (0428) 722563 (24 hours)
ACCESS & VISA welcome, call anytime but please
don’t whisper. Just leave the following details:
1 Day-time ’phone number;
2 Cardholder name and address;
3 Your Credit Card Number;
4 What you want and how many;
5 Normal or first class post.
Leave the REST to US!
Urgent Orders
If you are posting your order, leave out the word FREEPOST
from our address, and use our normal post code GU30 7EJ and
do not forget to stamp it First Class. If you are telephoning your
order, please make it clear that you wish to pay for your goods
to be sent to you by First Class Post.
First Class Rates
Minidisks & Microdisks
First Ten-Pack 2.00
Second and subsequent Ten-Pack 1.50
Very Urgent Orders
If by ordering by telephone, and by 3.00 pm you may request
Datapost which delivers the next morning at 9.00 am. Minimum
cost is £10 for the first 5Kg — please call.
Desperate Orders
Just call and discuss your problem, and we will do whatever we
can to help. If you are not too far we can probably organise a taxi
or courier.
UK Shipping Rates exc VAT
5V4 - Disks or microdisks Diskette Storage
1 -2 packs each pack @ 95p
3-5 packs each pack @ 75p
6-9 packs each pack @ 60p
10+ packs POST FREE
All Cleaning Kits
1 off 60p each
2-7 off 40p each
8+ off POST FREE
Disking Diskwriters
50-pack £1.00
Disking Supermailers
100-pack £3.00
orage
M10, FF10, FF15, SEE 10,
SEE 10-3, SEE 10-8
1- 4 off (a 40p each
5-9 off Co 30p each
10+ off @ 20p each
M25, MINI 50, BUDGET 50
1 off £1 00 each
2- 7 off 70p each
8+ off POST FREE
M50, M40, MINI 100, KM25
FFS10, KM50, JUMBO
1 off £2.00 each
2-7 off £1.30 each
8+ off POST FREE
5V4 DISKETTE STORAGE (Buy two get one free)
Without Locks
Description
Flip ’n File 10 for 10 disks
Flip n File 15 for 15 disks
Flip n File box for 50 disks
Flip n File box for 100 disks
Part No.
FF110
FF15
Mini 50
Mini 100
B50
Budget 50 for 50 disks
With Lock and Keys
KM25 Flip 'n File lockable for 25 disks
KM50 Flip n File lockable for 50 disks
JUMBO Our original box for 100 disks
3V<? MICRO DISK STORAGE (Buy 2 get 1 free)
M10 Flip n File Box for 10 microdisks
M25
Flip n File box for 25 microdisks
MbO Flip 'n File box for 50 microdisks
M40 Flip 'n File (latching) for 40 microdisks
Price exc VAT
3.90
5.90
16.90
32.90
8.90
25.90
36.90
18.90
4.90
10.90
19.90
31.90
Diskette Mailing and Computer Care
Disking Supermailers
A clever copyright design, these immensely strong Supermailers offer
full protection for up to 4 diskettes.
Packed in 100s for convenience
Part No Description Price ex VAT
DSM
100 Supermailers 24.90
Memorex Cleaning Kits
A really comprehensive range of kits containing everything you'
for a sparkling computer
Part No. Description
MKEY Case/keyboard cleaning kit
MTV VDU/screen cleaning kit 4.90
MDD Disk drive head cleaning kit 8.90
SAVE NEARLY £4.00
Just buy all three kits together
FOR ONLY £14.90
A BARGAIN IF EVER WE SA W ONE!
3V S/S Disk Drive Head Cleaning Kit
At last, a Microdrive head cleaning kit, for 3.5" drives
Part No. ‘Description Price exc VAT
SDD 3.5" Drive head cleaning kit 8.90
1 need
Price exc VAT
4.90
WHOLESALE CORNER
J
If you are a government body or trader in
computer supplies, and can always purchase in
quantities of not less than 50 diskettes at any
one time (any size or mix of configuration)
please write or call for our wholesale prices on
(0428) 722840. All bona fide bulk diskette
buyers will receive a FREE pack of Disking
playing cards.
FREE!
With every ten-pack of diskettes,
now comes the NEW FLIP‘N’FILE 10,
value 4.48 inc VAT.
To: DISKING, FREEPOST, Liphook, Hants GU30 7BR U.K. (0428) 722563
Find enclosed our order, we claim the following gift(s):
Qty Description Price exc VAT
Qty Gift Code Points
Total goods value exc VAT
Total Delivery & Ins.
Sub Total exc VAT
VAT
Value of cheque to DISKING
Name
or charge our
ACCESS/VISA
Number:
Total Points
Address
Tel No
nthnadonaa
PAM apricot
COMPUTERS fSANYO
FOR YOUR FIRST COMPUTER SYSTEM
When you buy a system from PAM COMPUTERS that
is not all you get, with each system comes advice,
training and ongoing support We will advise you on
the right system for your business having first as¬
sessed what your needs are
COMPLETE BUSINESS SYSTEMS
SANYO MBC555 with 2x 160k disks. £1369
SANYO MBC555-2 with 2x360k disks . £1699
APRICOT PC with 2x720k disks. £2299
APRICOT Xi 10 with 10MB & 720k disks . £2999
FREE TRAINING
Prices include a matrix printer, everything you need to set up your
first system, plus free software and 2 days on-site training. These
systems include the SAGE integrated accounts package All prices
exclude vat
ASK ABOUT OUR SOFTWARE PRICES
NORMALLY 30% OFF RRP
Please PHONE
for more details about our systems
3 TENNYSON ROAD, ASHFORD, MIDDX TW15 2LN
(07842)48972
SPECIAL AUGUST OFFERS
IBM PC
CORNERSTONE.£300
CROSSTALK XVI V3.5.£115
DBASE III.£365
FLIGHT SIMULATOR.£50
FRAMEWORK.£365
GEM DESKTOP.£35
GEM DRAW. £95
HOME ACCOUNTANT PLUS. £95
INFOCOM ADVENTURES EACH.£35
LOTUS 123.£330
MULTIPLAN.£145
SAGE OPTIONS.£105
SIDEKICK.£35
SUPERCALC 3.£215
SYMPHONY .£460
THINKTANK . £120
TURBO PASCAL.£35
WIZARDRY.£40
WORDSTAR 2000.£335
WORDSTAR V3 4 . £195
APRICOT
ABACUS.£130
ARCHIVE.£180
BRAINSTORM.£215
CARDBOX PLUS.£250
CHITCHAT.£95
DBASE II V2 41.£285
EASAL.£130
FRIDAY!.£130
INFOCOM ADVENTURES EACH.£30
LOTUS 123.£330
MILESTONE.£195
MULTIPLAN VI . 1 .£145
OPEN ACCOUNT.£300
QUICKCODE.£135
QUILL.£130
SUPERCALC 3.£195
SYMPHONY.£460
TURBO PASCAL.£40
WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL £360
XCHANGE.£360
APPLE lie & lie
BANK STREET WRITER.£45
CROSSTALK.£125
DBASE II —Z80.£285
FLASHCALC.£60
FLIGHT SIMULATOR II.£35
FORMAT 80.£95
HITCHHIKER S GUIDE.£25
HOME ACCOUNTANT.£45
INFOCOM ADVENTURES EACH.£35
MULTIPLAN APPLEDOS.£75
PFSFILE.£75
PFS:REPORT.£75
RETURN OF WERDNA.£35
SIDEWAYS.£35
SUPERCALC 3a.£145
THINKTANK.£90
TK SOLVER!.£190
TURBO PASCAL V3-Z80.£45
WIZARDRY.£35
WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL.£295
MACINTOSH
1ST BASE V2.0.£125
CLICKART.£30
FACTFINDER.£110
FILEVISION.£115
HELIX 512K.£245
INFOCOM ADVENTURES EACH.£35
JAZZ.£375
MACACCOUNTING. £295
MICROSOFT BASIC V2.0.£110
MICROSOFT CHART V2.0.£110
MICROSOFT FILE.£145
MICROSOFT WORD.£145
MIGHTY MAC.£60
MULTIPLAN.£145
MUSICWORKS.£50
PFS:FILE& REPORT.£120
STOCK PORTFOLIO.£140
THINKTANK 512K.£150
TK! SOLVER.£140
WIZRDRY.£40
ITS, 33 FOSCOTE ROAD, LONDON NW4 3SE
Tel: 01-430 2284 Telex: 21251 TICK G
MAIL ORDER ONLY : ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT
WIDE RANGE OF SOFTWARE AVAILABLE
AT LOW PRICES
It’s available from your local Softsel dealer.
ADELPHI BUSINESS COMPUTERS LTD.
25 TRINITY STREET, COVENTRY,
WEST MIDLANDS CV1 1FJ. TEL: (0203) 553944.
ADVANCED MICRO PRODUCTS
200 COURT ROAD, ELTHAM,
LONDON SE9 4EW. TEL: (01) 851 3311.
COLIN GRACE ASSOCIATES LTD.
CLIFTON MEWS, 62 HIGH STREET,
SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX CB10 1EE.
TEL: (0799) 22532.
COMPUTER CITY
78 VICTORIA ROAD, WIDNES,
CHESHIRE WA8 7RA. TEL:( (051) 420 3333.
DEVERILL COMPUTER SERVICES LTD.
ITEC HOUSE, 34-40 WEST STREET,
POOLE, DORSET BH15 1LA. TEL- (0202) 684441.
FAIRHURST INSTRUMENTS LTD.
WOODFORD ROAD, WILMSLOW
CHESHIRE SK9 2L. TEL: (062) 5533741.
GATE MICROSYSTEMS LTD.
ABBEY HOUSE, 10 BOTHWELL STREET,
GLASGOW, STRATHCLYDE G2 6NU.
TEL (041)221 9372.
MBS DATA EFFICIENCY,
MAXTED ROAD, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD,
HERTS HP2 7EL. TEL: (0442) 60155.
PACE SOFTWARE SUPPLIES
92 NEW CROSS STREET, BRADFORD,
W. YORKS. TEL: (0274) 729306.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS LTD.
220-226 BISHOPSGATE,
LONDON EC2M 4JS. TEL (01) 377 1200.
PROGRAMS UNLIMITED
19 IMPERIAL HOUSE, KINGSWAY,
LONDON WC1. TEL: (01) 240 9006.
RAVEN COMPUTERS
28-32 CHEAPSIDE, BRADFORD,
YORKS BD1 4JA. TEL: (0274) 309386.
STIRLING MICROSYSTEMS,
1 PARK ROAD,
LONDON NW1 6XE. TEL (01) 486 7671.
TASHA BUSINESS SYSTEMS
191 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET,
LONDON W8 TEL: (01) 937 7896.
THAMES VALLEY SYSTEMS
GREYS HOUSE, 7 GREYFRIARS ROAD,
READING, BERKS RG1 1NU. TEL (0734) 581829.
UNITED SUMLOCK LTD.
36 KING STREET, BRISTOL,
AVON BS1 4DZ. TEL: (0272) 276685.
SOFTWARE
Make it big
with Musicworks.
They had everything going for them. Good looks,
determination and a great image.
But one thing stood between the Sydney Saunders
Skiffle Du© and success in the music business. Talent.
But blessed with a good ear for a winner, Sydney laid
out a few notes for Musicworks. A major development
from Hayden Software.
FOR BUDDING HOLLIES EVERYWHERE
Even if you can't read a note, Musicworks enables
you to compose music
directly on your Apple
Macintosh'," and hear the
results instantly.
You compose on a
seven-and-a-half octave
grid. Just like the keys on a
piano. As you put down
your notes you hear them.
All in the click of a mouse.
When you’ve got your
latest masterpiece sounding
just right, Musicworks
transforms it into a musical
staff, inserts the right
notation and prints it in a
professional format which any musician
can follow. Even Sydney.
Now he can drum up any tune he likes. Change and
edit notes. And then play back the whole melody
whenever he wants.
THE FAB FOUR
Another feature that Sydney likes to harp on about
is Musicworks’ built-in instrument selection.
Use up to four at a time from a total of 10 or listen to
each one selectively Musicworks also comes complete
with templates which guide you through playing classical
and popular selections.
It’s available from your local Softsel dealer. Along with
over 2,600 other titles from over 250 publishers.
However there’s still one slight hitch in Sydney’s rise to
stardom. He’s been charged under the Trade
Descriptions Act over the name of his latest album -
“Sydney Saunders Entertains”.
Musicworks - A sound investment.
The number one distributor of software.
In the world.
Softsel Computer Products Ltd, Softsel House, Syon Gate Way,
Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9DD.
MUSICWORKS IS A TRADEMARK OF MACROMIND INC MACINTOSH IS A TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTERS INC
VICTOR VPC
VICTOR 9000
UJ.II III Mil
VICTOR VICKI
VICTOR VI
VICTOR 9000. The true original 16-Bit
desktop business micro computer. As powerful
today as it ever was, 28 thousand Victor 9000
users in the UK alone have made it the industry
benchmark others had to match up to... now
more competitively priced than ever.
VICTOR VICKI. The 9000 you can take
with you anywhere — the most powerful
portable business machine on the market,
with access to the full range of Victor software
(over 2000 programmes!) - the Vicki keeps
you close to your business... keeps you in
touch with profits.
VICTOR VPC. So we made it! Fully
Please ask my Victor dealer to make an appointment with me.
Name_
compatible with the ‘Industry Standard’...
more power, more user options, offering
access to the mighty IBM* software library
... here’s the versatile business tool with the
more realistic price tag.
VICTOR VI. A true champion. We took the
speed and power of the Victor 9000, the
versatility of the VPC, and we made them
one. The new dual-standard ‘Vee Aye’ -
setting new standards for others to follow.
WE NEVER FORGET YOU’RE HUMAN
Area of operation__
-Company___._
Address _
VICTOR TECHNOLOGIES (UK) LIMITED, DEPT A.U. 1, UNIT 1,
THE VALLEY CENTRE, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS. HP13 6EQ. ACTIONLINE (0494) 450661.
*IBM is a registered trade mark of International Business Machines.
Victor 9000. Vicki, VPC & VI are all registered trade marks of Victor Technologies Inc.
MAKE YOUR PC
MULTI-USER
FOR ONLY £595
IT SOUNDS UNBELIEVABLE BUT ITS TRUE
With FORMULA IV, the Applicator Creator, your computer system
can become multi-user without the need for hardware modifica¬
tions. Formula IV is the ONLY software that will convert IBM PC, XT,
AT, and compatibles into multi-user application systems.
Merely connect two inexpensive terminals to your PC and PRESTO 0
— you have just created a true multi-user system that triples the
power of your computer.
FORMULA IV contains a wealth of features, including a relational
database system, a powerful query language, an on-line help facil¬
ity, a free format report generator, plus menu generation ca¬
pabilities. FORMULA IV combines the power of a computer
language with the simplicity of a word processor for only £595.
MONDIAL ACCOUNTS — a multi-user integrated accounting suite
which transforms your single-user PC into a multi-user accounting
system. Why should your system be tied down to only one applica¬
tion when it could be doing stock control, sales invoicing, and
payroll all at once?
PHONE TODAY FOR DETAILS OF THESE AMAZING PROGRAMS.
Check our prices on these IBM compatibles
Ferranti PC860
Canon A200
Commodore PC 10
Ring for software special offers
CARRERA COMPUTING
12, Lyons Avenue
Hetton-Le-Hole
Tyne & Wear
DH5OHS
Tel:- SUNDERLAND (0783) 267816
Open 7 days 9.00am — 9.00pm
Word-Bird
is not “user friendly” it is easy and natural to
use.
No commands, no keying-in sequences, no
“easy” reference cards.
Can be used immediately, mastered in
days.
Labels, letters and fully-formatted books
are typed direct to the screen, as they will
look on paper, with all the emphasis and
special characters your printer is capable of.
Easy, natural multi-lingual use.
Full wordprocessing power at your finger¬
tips.
Phone for your FREE copy of the Word-
Bird Book of Wordprocessing now!
SPECIALISED MULTILINGUAL WORD
PROCESSING SYSTEMS
LEABUS
114 Brandon Street Legal & Business
London SE17 1AL ' Software
Telephone: 01-708 2756
Offer the UK’s lowest prices on
computer systems
APRICOTTWIN 315K and monitor.£1,350
APRICOTTWIN 720K and monitor.£1,500
APRICOT XI5MB and monitor.£2,000
APRICOTX110MBand monitor.£2,150
APRICOT FI 720KExcl monitor.£850
APRICOT XIIOS ( + monitor) .£2,775
APRICOT XI 20S (+ monitor) .£3,455
APRICOT XI 20 (+ monitor) .£3,115
APRICOT point 32 10MB(+ monitor).£2,395
APRICOT point 32 20MB (+ monitor).£3,395
COMPAQ PORTABLE.£1,870
EPSON RX80 FT.£210
EPSON FX80.£310
EPSON RX100.£330
EPSON FX100.£400
EPSON DX100. £340
WORDSTAR.£190
LOTUS 1-2-3.£310
D-BASEII.£225
PEGASUS.£175
CANON PW1156A £399
All products carry 12 months full guarantee, with
HOTLINE phone support.
Prices exclude only VAT and delivery GRAPHIC HOUSE, 88 WAVENEY ROAD
We GUARANTEE* the lowest prices! §T |y£S CAMBS PEI7 4FW
I.S.C. LIMITED TEL: 0480 300533
COMPANY SERVICES
INCLUDE:
CUSTOMISED DATABASE SYSTEMS, MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTS, INSTALLATION CONTRACTS, NET¬
WORK SYSTEMS, MULTI-USER SYSTEMS.
FINANCING:
CASH, LEASE-RENTAL, LEASE-PURCHASE, SHORT¬
TERM RENTAL, HIRE-PURCHASE, PERSONAL
LOANS, INSTANT CREDIT (subject to status).
* Provide a currently advertised lower price
within 7 days of purchase and difference will be
refunded.
TRADE AND EXPORT
Call for IBM prices. ENQUIRIES WELCOME
MULTI
PLAN
LOTUS 1-2-3
Expand Your PC
To A Multi-User System
With Advanced Digital's PC-Slave
Up To 32 Users
Expanding your PC to a multi-user
system is easy. Simply plug in a PC
SLAVE processor board and ASCII
terminal for each user. With ADC's
unique Master/Slave concept, each user
runs independent of other users without
speed degradation.
RTNX executive software turns your PC into a master
processor and shares disks, peripherals and data with
the slaves. ADC's PC-File Server provides you with
additional expansion slots, hard disk drive and a high-
speed streaming tape back-up for your IBM PC System.
*' s .: w \' v; \ /
-■< s' s' V ♦'*' •• •*'"/.-x / x 4 * <"
.* / .. / v / x
;ter * / -v
with ' A / . / / >
n * //•>•/ /
8 MHz, 8088 CPU
256 kB of RAM, expandable to 768 kB
Two Serial I/O Ports
& ADVANCED
digital'
CORPORATION J
Advanced Digital Corporation, USA
5432 Production Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Tel. (714) 891-4004 • Telex 183210 ADVANCED HTBH
Advanced Digital U.K. Limited
27 Princes St., Hanover Square
London WIR8NQ • United Kingdom
(01) 409-0077 • (01) 409-3351 • Telex 265840 FINEST
*RTNX is a trademark of LOGICRAFT
*PC DOS is a trademark of International Business Machines
*MS DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
•LOTUS 1-2 3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation
•Multi Plan is a trademark of Micro Soft Corporation
‘WordStar Is a trademark of MicroPro Corporation
Computer Cnterpri/e/
International Ud.
INFOSCRIBE
HEAVY DUTY MATRIX PRINTERS
• 100% DUTY CYCLE
• 200 CPS DRAFT, IOO CPS CORRESPONDENCE
• 40 CPS NEAR LETTER QUALITY
• EXTENSIVE SERIAL & PARALLEL INTERFACES
• OPTIONAL 8 COLOUR PRINTING
• WILL PRINT UP TO 7 PART DOCUMENTS
• VERY QUIET 54dB
• MULTIPLE & DOWNLOAD CHARACTER SETS
• FREE PENMAN PLOTTER
with INFOSCRIBE 1100
Suddenly,
quality plotting
is within reach of
every computer user...
OLIVETTI M21 portable. 128K £1399
OLIVETTI M24, 128K, DO, Mono/Colour £1399/£1799
OLIVETTI M24 640K, SD, 10MB HD. Mono/Colour C2595/E2995
OLIVETTI M10, 8K RAM/24K RAM £350/C399
IBM PC. 256K, Double Drives. Mono/Colour £1900/£2150
IBM PC, 256K, SD, 10MD HD. Mono/Colour C2990/£3300
APRICOT PC, 256K. 2X720, 9" Mono/12" Mono £1499/£1550
APRICOT XI, 10MB, 1X720, 9" Mono/12" Mono £2170/£2220
APRICOT XI10S, 512K, 10MB, HD £2590/£2630
APRICOT XI 20S, 1MB RAM. 20MB, HD £3395/4430
APRICOT FI/FIE.£750 £525
APRICOT FP1/2 Portable 256/512K. 720K drive £995/£1395
£795
£995
£1695
£3995
KAYPR0 16, PC compat, 2&6K, 2x360K d & dBASE, WordStar, etc
£1695
KAYPR0 16H, PC compat, 256K, lOmb, HD & dBASE, WordStar,
etc.£2395
& free WordStar
KAYPR0 2X, 2x D§ Drives & dBASE II, WordStar, etc
KAYPR0 10, 10Mb, HD & dBASE II, WordStar, etc
KAYPR0 286 IBM, AT compat.2x1 2mb drives
-- 156K,..“
SIRIUS VICTOR
VICTOR 1 2MB + 256K/2 4MB * 256K
VICTOR VPC, 15MB, HD,!
PC CARD. (Makes Sirius IBM compatible)
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
Smith Corona 0200/0300 (wide) 160cps.
(40 NLQ). Parallel & Serial Interface, Epson
& IBM Compatible £275/£399
Canon PW1080A1156A (NLQ) £285/£375
- £389
£279
£899
£229
£95 £150
£219
£895
£179/£199
£299/£399
£995/£695
£2900
£1695/2050
£3990
£2550
£950
Canon PJ1080A (Colour)
MP165 NLQ 165cps.
Brother 2024NLQ
Epson LX-80 NLQ .
Epson P40 P80
Epson RX80FT ♦ .
Epson L01500
Sninwa CPA80 CPB80.
Mannesmann Tally MT85/86
Texas Instruments 810/855
Cannon Laser Printer
SANYO 775, Colour, with free software ('NEW') £1795
MACINTOSH, Macwrite + Macpaint/Apple lle/llc £1450/£495/799
NEC 8201A Lap Micro. £200 free software £290
COMMODORE PC10, 256K RAM. 12" Mono. Double Drives £1299
EPSON QX16 Taxi, Free Software £Ring
EPSON PX-8, 64K, CPM, Basic, WordStar/120K RAM pack
£750/£925
N0RTHSTAR DIMENSION, 15MB, HD. 2 User/each user
£4995/£1295
ALTOS XENIX. MPM86.1 to 8 Users, Ethernet £P0A
OLIVETTI 3B2 Unix V lor UNIX Software £Ring
LOOK! . . .
This Month s Amazing Specials!
SANYO 550. 128K. 1 xl 60K drive & WordStar. Calcstar £595
SANYO 555, 128K, 2x160 K & £1000 Micropro Software £795
SANYO 555-2, 128K. 2x360K & £1000 Micropro Software £1095
TELEVIDEO PC1605 IBM Compat 256K £1299
HYPERION PORTABLE. IBM Compat. 256K & Free Software £1099
NEC APC II. 2x1mb Disk Drives 128K Ram £999
SINCLAIR QL Spectrum + £299 £99
COMMODORE 64/Plus 4 £150/£75
ACORN Electron Starter Pack BBC with DFS £125 350
APRICOT 10" Hi-Res Colour Monitors £315
ROLAND 12" MB121A. Medium-Res Amber Monitors £95
FIDELITY CM 14 RGB/Composite Col Monitor with Speaker £149
SMITH CORONA FASTEXT 80/D 100 (120cps) Printers £115/£165
SEIK0SHA GP500A/GP700A. Four Colour Printer £99/£250
RITEMAN Inforunner II. NLQ Printer £275
Sage Accounts/Plus £250/£550
Easy Junior.£395
Pulsar Pegasus (Each) £195 £200
Microsoft ProiectSuperproiect £250/£295
Pertmaster Timeline £650/£325
Omnis lll/Datamaster £399/£425
Reflex Ensemble (Mac) £375/£250
WordStar WordStar Professional £195/£250
Microsoft Word with Mouse £395
Multimate WordPerfect £295/£399
Samna Word III £495 £350
Perfect II (Wnter/Calc/Filer) £395
Jazz/Desq.£395 £290
Energraphics/Helix £290/£290
Crosstalk/Sidekick £129/£49
DAISYWHEEL PRINTERS
Brother HR15/25/35
Juki 6100/6300
Juki 2200
Quen-Data
QUME Letter-Pro20
Olivetti DY250/450
QUME 11/40-55
Diablo 630 API
Ricoh 1200/1300 1600
TEC FI 0-40/50
£315/£650/£795
C299/C650
£229
£219
£446
£595/£765
£1195/£1379
£1299
£495/£795/£1375
£995/£1250
Kaga K12R1X. RGB/PAL
£239
Sinclair Vision QL.
£235
Microvitec Monitors
£POA
Princeton HX-12/SR12
£490/£645
TERMINALS
Qume 101/102/103 £455/£515/£695
Qume QVT108/211
£501/£799
Hazeltine Esprit III (TV1950)
£655
Wyse WY50/WY75
£595/£699
1 PLOTTERS & DIGITISERS 1
Roland DXY800 (8PenA3)
£495
Roland DXY880 HP Compatible) £795
Roland DXY980
£1150
HP 7470 7475
£995/£1450
Epson H180/Expansion RAM
Houston DMP42(A2)
Summagraphics Bitpad 2
£395/£69
£3295
£595
Houston Hi-Pad
£699
SOFTWARE
MONOCHROME
Roland MB121. Green £120
Philips 7502/7522 £79 £85
Kaga Taxan P31/39 Phos £99 £119
Yanjen, (Green/AmberTilt/Sw) £99
Swivel & Tilt Monitor Stand £28
Roland CC/141.14", (640x200) £395
Kaga IBM Hi/Ultra 800 £350/£550
Desktop vIO £49
WordStar 2000 (IBMApncot £295
Dataflex (Single/Multi User) £595/£990
Lotus 123/Symphony £299/£425
Open Access-2 (IBM/Apricot) £350
Framework/Friday £350/£175
DBase ll/lll £250/£350
Sensible Solution £595
PC-Paint With Mouse £180
Psion Xchange (4 Int Package) £395
Card-Box/Plus £195/£275
File Transfer. IBM/Apricot/Sirius £95
Autocad with AOE1 4 2 £1595
Doodle (CAD Package for IBM Apricot) £695
Smartwork (Circuit-Board-Design) £895
0ED +/Main Street Filer £290/£150
Supercalc 2/3 £175/£250
Turbo Pascal/Sidekick/Sideways £45
CopylIPC/Spotlight £39/£95
Flight Sim/Sargon Chess III £59/£43
COMMUNICATION
Buzzbox Modem/V21 Auto Answer£90/£139
Minor Miracles V21/V22 £129
Steebek SB1212/V22AD £450/£650
Communique (Sirius/Apncot) £350
Telecom Gold/tasylmk/One to One £POA
Sage Communication Pack £295
ADD-ONS AND
ACCESSORIES
All Hard Disks & Tape Streamers £Ring
AST/Quad/Tecmar Cards for IBM PC/XT
£Ring
BBC 100K Drives/DFS Kit £89/£75
Apple II Drives Controller Card £95/£40
|||' “ £Ring
£599/£199
Apple II+/E/C Cards
Hercules Graphics/Col Card
COMPUTER ENTERPRISES INTERNATIONAL LTD
Tel: 01-543 6866 542 4850. Telex: 946240 CWEASY G (Quote: 19005565).
EASYLINK MAILBOX: 19005565 TELECOM GOLD MAILBOX:
SHOWROOMS (OPEN Mon-Sat 9.30 to 6)
85-85A QUICKS ROAD. WIMBLEDON. LONDON SW19 1EX UK. LESSINGSTRASSE 60. 5300 BONN 1
GERMANY. Tel: 0228 220297
Export. Educational. Dealer. Governmental. Lease. Rent. Consultant ENQUIRIES WELCOME. All
items new and carry manufacturers guarantee. Prices are exclusive of VAT. Installation. Training.
Delivery and subject to change without notice. Delivery CIO for each item in UK. C75 for Europe.
Payment by Eurocheques. Credit Cards. LC. IMO. Direct Transfer.
no Computer
Consul
T/l \ T TW
Ltd
OUR PRICES ARE VERY
COMPETITIVE
A Challenge to
Every businessman
MACINTOSH
ALL the APPLE range
at BARGAIN PRICES!
PORTABLE Luxury with the
APPLE IIC
★ Built-in disc drive
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★ 40/80 column display
★ TV Modulator
★ 6 interactive demo discs
★ Ultra Hi-Res
★ Built-in serial ports for
printers and modem
★ Weight only 7.5lbs
★ External power supply
.iJ.i-_77j. TT ! ~.
^ Authorised Apple Dealer
Level One Service Centre
Call TODAY for further details
m
:r 'i
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Ascott House, 227 Elliott St
Tyldesley, Manchester
M298DG
Tel: 0942-892818
AUGUST 1985 PC W 37
[AliTQft] 486 Series
from £7695.00
• Entry level XENIX System
• 80168 8 Mhz processor
• up to 4 terminals
• includes one ALTOS terminal
• 0.5 Mbyte RAM memory
• 1 floppy drive
• 20 Mbyle Hard Disc
• 5 serial ports
• one networking port
• XENIX 3.0 runtime included
The ALTOS 486 is a cost effective XENIX system with a wide range of database,
communications and applications software available. ALTOS Teamnet is supported via
the networking port for expansion. Ask about PC PATH for adding your IBM PC to the
ALTOS network.
[AlBOfrl 586 and 986 series
from £9235.00
10 Mhz 8086 based systems with XENIX 3.0 operating system
• up to 1 Mbyte RAM memory
• up to 9 users
• up to 80 Mbyte Winchester
• cartridge tape backup
• Low cost ALTOS Teamnet
• Ethernet
• One Altos terminal included
• 1 floppy drive
The ALTOS 586 and 986 series offers high performance, and a wide range of
applications, database and communications software. ALTOS Teamnet supports
transparent networking for distributed databases, Telex and 3270 and 3280
communications. Enquire about PC PATH to integrate ALTOS and IBM PCs.
[ALSO*] 68000 Series
from £12,450.00
• Motorola 68000 processor
• UNIX III
• up to 16 users
• up to 160 Mbyte Winchester
• -1 floppy drive
• cartridge tape backup
• Multibus expansion
• Large memory space
• ALTOS-NET or Ethernet
The ALTOS 68000 is an excellent UNIX workhorse for software development work, and
scientific and technical processing.
WYSEpc
from £1925.00
• MS-DOS 2.11
• GW Basic
• 256 Kbyte RAM
• 2 RS232 serial ports
• Parallel printer interface
• 14" colour or mono screen
• 2 360 Kbyte floppy
• or 1 floppy & 10 Mbyte HD
• runs Lotus 1 -2-3 etc
• IBM expansion slots
The WYSE pc is an elegant and powerful, but economical microcomputer with IBM
compatibility and improved ergonomics.
Systematika Ltd. offers a full installation service with a wide range of terminals, printers
and applications software.
Systematika Ltd.
6-7 West Smithfield, London EC1A9JX. Tel: 01-248 0962
LUTTERWORTH
SOFTWARE
THE NUTCRACKER SUITE
Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Most word-processors are
too powerful, too complex and too expensive. The Nutcracker Suite's
three programs are really easy to use. You can even print text as you
enter it. Has word-wrap and paragraph reforming, plus line and
page editing functions using every key in the most natural way.
Reads and unscrambles Wordstar files. Saves and prints in 100%
ASCII format. Special printer control program also included.
Winner C. T.A. Award Best Business Program 1984
THE ULTIMATE DIARY
Event based diary for every professional. Events can be entered
with a frequency tag (e.g. every two weeks, every three months,
annually, even every second Tuesday!), and will re-appear in all
future reports. Reports for today’s events, this week’s events, this
month’s events. Calendar for any month up to 2083. Simple search
routine (any field) with wild cards. Up to 5000 separate entries, which
can easily be amended or deleted.
MICROFILE
Powerful flat form database. User can set field lengths and labels for
any number of separate databases. Up to 16 fields and 32,767
records. Search or sort on any field. Print format options, allowing
mail-merge, on both automatic and inspection basis. Superbly easy
to use with all prompts on screen.
EACH PROGRAM IS ONLY £43 + VAT (£49.45)
FORMATS: IBM PC DOS/APRICOT MS DOS
Ask your dealer for a demo, or send cheque to:
LUTTERWORTH SOFTWARE, CiJ
126 NEW WALK, LEICESTER LEI 7JA (Tel. 0533 550822)
It’s available from your
local Softsel dealer
ADVANCED MICRO PRODUCTS
200 COURT ROAD
ELTHAM, LONDON SE9 4EW
TEL: (01)851 3311
CALLHAVEN LTD
43 FIFE ROAD,
KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES
SURREY KT1 1SF.
TEL: (01)549 5612
CLM MATMOS PLUS
14-16 CHILDS PLACE, EARLS CT.
LONDON SW5 9RX.
TEL: (01) 373 6607
COMPUTERLAND
38 EDGWARE ROAD,
LONDON W2 2EH.
TEL (01)723 3071
INFORMETRICS
THE FARMHOUSE, LOW ROAD,
KESWICK, NORWICH NR4 6TX.
TEL: (0603) 54805
PERSONAL COMPUTERS LTD.
220/226 BISHOPSGATE,
LONDON EC2M 4JS.
TEL (01) 377 1200
PILOT SOFTWARE
32 RATHBONE PLACE,
LONDON W1P 1AD.
TEL: (01) 636 2666
PEAR COMPUTING SYSTEMS LTD
129 QUEENS CRESCENT,
LONDON NW5 4HE.
TEL (01) 267 0940
SOUTH WALES COMPUTERS
131 B&C ALBANY ROAD,
CARDIFF,
S. GLAMORGAN CF2 3NS.
TEL: (0222) 490572
TASHA BUSINESS SYSTEMS
191 KENSINGTON HIGH ST.
LONDON W8.
TEL (01)937 7896
THAMES VALLEY SYSTEMS
GREYS HOUSE,
7 GREYFRIARS ROAD,
READING, BERKS RG1 1NU
TEL. (0734) 581829
THE CITY COMPUTER CENTRE,
105 WHITECROSS ST.
LONDON EC1Y8JD.
TEL: (01) 588 5537/8
VEGA COMPUTERS LTD
6 SUFFOLK HOUSE,
GEORGE ST.
CROYDON, SURREY CKO 1PH.
TEL: (01) 680 4484
Typing
Tutor m
Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Miss Carruthers beats the clock,
thanks toTyping Tutor III™
Deer... Der.Dear Sur.Dear Sxrr_
Miss Carruthers fumbled for her correction fluid once
again. So much of the stuff was brushed on her letters, they
had to be sent by parcel post.
It was costing Harry Armitage, her boss, a fortune.
So he decided to invest in Typing Tutor III. The
revolutionary typing instruction program from Simon and
Schuster. 1 "
After all with a recently acquired computer in the office,
she’d have to sharpen up her skills pretty quickly
TYPING TUTOR III - THE KEY TO BETTER COMPUTING
Available for the Apple lCApple
Macintosh? AtarCCommodore 64 ™
TM
and IBM PC. Typing Tutor III allows
professionals, students, writers and
secretaries to utilize the power of a
personal computer to the full.
It’s composed of a series of
self-paced custom designed
typing lessons and tests. All of
which are automatically adjusted
to match your ability and
progress levels.
Typing Tutor III contains a
feature called Time Response
VIonitoring. TRM analyzes the
results of each test and clearly shows your
speed, accuracy, strengths and weaknesses. And to help
you see the error of your ways your progress is reproduced
in graph form.
EXTRA TERRESTRIAL TYPING
Typing Tutor III also comes complete with Letter
Invaders."An exciting arcade-style game in which you have
to defend earth from invading fleets from outer-space. As
each letter or symbol comes into view, blast it by typing it on
the keyboard. As your typing gets faster the game gets faster.
Typing Tutor III is simplicity itself to use and comes
complete with reference manual.
It’s available from your local Softsel dealer along with
over 2,600 other titles from over 250 publishers.
Miss Carruthers typing improved beyond all
recognition. So much so that Harry Armitage entered her for
the Typing World Championships.
And although she romped home with a top score of
160 wpm. he knows of one lady who could beat his
secretary out of sight in the words-per-minute stakes.
His mother-in-law.
Typing Tutor III - A hands down winner.
The number one distributor of Software.
In the world.
Softsel Computer Products Limited, Softsel House, Syon Gate Way,
Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9DD.
TYPING TUTOR III. LETTER INVADERS. TRM AND TIME RESPONSE MONITORING ARE TRADEMARKS OF KRIYA SYSTEMS INC APPLE ft APPLE MACINTOSH ARE TRADEMARKS OF APPLE
COMPUTERS INC IBM IS A TRADEMARK OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP SIMON & SCHUSTER IS THE TRADEMARK OF SIMON & SCHUSTER INC ATARI IS THE TRADEMARK OF ATARI
INC AND COMMODORE 64 IS A TRADEMARK OF COMMODORE BUSINESS MACHINES INC
QVT109
Function keys and
non-embedded
attributes. So useful
for the O E M.
«VT202
Th* Digital Emulatoi
QVT511
the Tektronix Emulator
ata realistic price.
r write to Qume at
If for full details of
Advanced Range
t Terminals.
Park Way, Newbury, Berkshire RG13 1 EE
Telephone: (0635) 31400 Telex: 846321
la! Equipment Corp. Bridgewater Close, Reading, Berkshire RG31JT
ktronix Equipment Corp. Telephone: (0734) 584646 Telex: 849706
gives you so much more
a wide range of quality peripherals+Qume’s superior back-up
O Fully equipped Service Departments.
O Field service from authorized 3rd party maintenance
organizations.
O Personnel Training Centre.
O Local support from 1st class Distributor Organization.
O Supplies and spares available from stock.
o itt world wide ^mmHHmmmmH
technology.
O Qume (UK) Limited, a
solidly established
! •THE QUME PACKAGE ^ - J
GEOLOGICAL CROSS-SECTION
Prepared by Precision Uisusls, I**
The Qume range of video
terminals - so superior they
are 1st choice with
professionals everywhere.
Service and Training Centre
■aPrt*
London Bridg e
MEGADEALS
Trade-in your
weeny VzK Hoity-Toity 3000
for the latest
30 Mega Thingy Quality Leap.
We also buy Computers &
Peripherals for CASH
(If you can’t put up
with its superior
comments having spent
24 hours playing 'The Hobbit’
and getting .002%)
We’ll even take your
sooper-dooper
computer gear
in part exchange for
weird but wonderful
Hi-Fi rigs, Walkpersons etc
from our
Lo/Mid/Hi-Fi store
or against Niknok, Conan,
Printax, Oilmouse cameras
and 30,000mm lenses
from our two
photographic emporiums.
6, London Bridge
— ---
- VeOttofr
Walk, London SE1
Tel: 01 403 1988
'f
Wetttaft
0 ,\X
Open 8.30-6pm
Mon-Frid
<2? •> r w j WT
" T ' | ~ ?
/ t ^ . BasHi ,i ,1B
9am-1pm Sat
4ChipChat9
Modem
ChipChat modems are the most versatile and up to
date available at the price. With autoanswer as
standard and intelligent autodial with speed conversion
as an option, ChipChats may be used to access
computers and databases such as Prestel, Micronet,
homelinkand BT Gold.
ChipChats support the CCITT V2 1 protocol: 300/300
baud and the \JZ 3 protocol: 1200/75, 75/1200 and
1200/1200 (half duplex). Where local regulations
permit, Bell standard operation may be used for
dialling U5 databases.
ChipChats use the latest technology and provide
valuable extra features such as auto-disconnect to
save your telephone bills, and speed conversion for
operation with IBM PCs. A full complement of LED5
monitor data flow and the status of handshake lines
on the Cannon D-type connector.
ChipChat modems have been designed with our
experience of manufacturing BT approved intelligent
terminals, they provide the facilities and data rates you
need at the touch of a button or they can be left
unattended under computer control.
ChipChats are supported by a large range of
communications software packages and terminal
emulations for the IBM, Birius, Apricot, Apple and
BBC micros.
Ring for details and special package deal prices.
ChipChat CC2123A Autoanswer £130.35
£149.90 inc VAT
ChipChat CC2123AD Autodial £165.13
£189.90 inc VAT
P &P £2.70 + VAT BABT Approval
Ar\P*li^/d Fr\r a
■a*
Micr
Micro electronic design consultancy
Digisolve Limited
Aire and Calder Works
Cinder Lane, Castletord, West Yorks WF10 1LU
Tel: 0977 513141 Telex: 557661 AGRAM G
Get read
he main event!
The main event in personal computing has
got to be the Personal Computer World
Show at Olympia.
It's where the big names and the up-and-
coming stars will be put through their paces
this September. You'll see a massive line-up
k of contenders with hardware, software
k and peripherals from the whole world of
^ the micro. Which means there’s
A .something for everybody.
A | So, whether you're a cold blooded
B | professional or simply an enthusiast,
you'll profit from the experience.
Over 45,000 micro users did last
year. And this September's PCW
Show will be even bigger. With new
special features like the Applications
Advisory Service, Business Advice
Centre and workshop sessions through
the National Computing Centre, the
Micro Home of the Future, Top Twenty
Games, Micros in Education and a
separate hall exclusively for business
computer buyers.
If your interest in personal computers is
business or professional, or if you simply
want a family outing that's informative and
fun, you must get to the Main Event.
The arena is Olympia, London. The dates
are 4-8 September.
For advance tickets at £2.00 each, ring
PCW ticket office on 01 -4861951 with your
Bardaycard or Access number or write with
your cheque to PCW Show, 11 Manchester
Square, London W1M 5AB.
Box clever. Don't miss it.
The 8th,
.Personal
ompater)
4 8 SEPTEMBER 1985
OLYMPIA, LONDON
Sponsored by Personal Computer World
Business, professional and trade only
days 4-5 September 1985.
FORTH programs are instantly
portable across the most popular
microprocessors.
FORTH is interactive and very fast.
FORTH programs are structured,
modular, and easy to maintain.
FORTH gives control of all
interrupts, memory locations, and
i/o ports.
FORTH gives full access to DOS
files and functions.
FORTH application programs can
be converted to turnkev programs.
FORTH Cross Compilers can
generate ROMmable code for:
6502, 6809, 68000, 0808, Z80,
8086, 6800, 6801/3, 1802, Z8,
8070, Z8000, 99xxx, LSI-11
Application Development
Systems include FORTH with
virtual memory, multi-tasking,
assembler, full-screen editor,
decompiler, utilities, and full
documentation.
MP€ 6609 FORTH
I Flex, OS9
POP 11 FORTH
-RSX11 £1600
VAX by FORTH-SYSTEW6
-VMS £1500
Wre/NAUTIUUSCRCm
COMPILER
LMI PC/FORTH
LMI 6086 FORTH
LMI 280 FORTH
MM APPLE FORTH
£110
£110
£95
£145
Extension Packages include
floating point, cross compilers,
8087 support, colour graphics,
interactive debuggers.
We are the Forth specialists, we
also stock a large range of books,
listings, and implementations for
machines ranging from Spectrums
to Macintosh to VAX.
Microprocessor
Engineering Ltd
21 Hanley Road. Shirley
Southampton SOI 5AP
Tel: 0703 780084
Ask the right
people first.
*Fast 24 hour delivery
* Full range of Epson Printers
and Interfaces
* Ask for our Price Lists,
Brochures and Print Samples
* Trade enquiries welcome
(ask to be added to our
Mailing List)
* Full Technical Support and
Service Contracts available.
EPSON
Versatile and Reliable The Fastest Movers around
Distributors to the Computer Trade
DIAL 100 AND ASK TOR FREEFONE WESTWOOD
TO GET FULL DETAILS
Westwood Distribution Ltd., 116/118 Tennant Street,
Five Ways, Birmingham B15 1EY. Tel: 021-643 8680.
DEALERS AND CONSULTANTS
If you have a used computer system to buy or sell then
make sure you talk to the right people.
COMPVTERLINES
A Market-Place for Used Computers
Computerlines used computers is a market-place for used
computer systems and peripherals like printers and hard
disk units etc. It is boxed on Prestel - page 36019 - the
most interactive public viewdata system in the world.
Some used systems currently on offer are:
APRICOT XI
SIRIUS
ALPHA MICRO
DIABLO
OSBOURNE I
COMMODORE 8050
SUPERBRAIN 1
TELEVIDEO
SAGE IV
DIGICO PRINCE
RICOH
OUME 5/45
For non Prestel users, lists of systems on offer are mailed on
request
INTERLEX LTD
Microcomputer Systems and Services
Imperial House, Lower Teddington Road
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 4EP
Tel: 01-943 4366. Telex: 928017 Scott G
TG Mailbox: MMU429. Prestel Mailbox: 019434366
SECURE MEDIA
AGAINST
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For just £30 (+ VAT) the GAUSSBUSTER will enable
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Please rush me.(Qty) GAUSSBUSTERS
@ £34.99 each inc p&p and VAT/Enc £.
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| 24 DOWNING ROAD, TILEHURST,
| READING, BERKS RG3 5BB
I Please allow 28 days for delivery
L-_ —------------J
Yet another
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from Data:
Systems
I
STAR SGI 0
Character Sets
96 Standard ASCII Characters
88 Standard International Characters
96 Italic Characters
88 Italic International Characters
96 NLQ Characters
88 NLQ International Characters
Character Matrix
Standard Characters: 9 dot x 11 dot
STAR Block Graphics: 6 dot x 6 dot
IBM Block Graphics: 12 dot x 11 dot
User Defined: 8 dot x 4 to 11 dot
Near Letter Quality: 17 dot x 11 dot
Character Fonts
K
$4
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K
THE INCREDIBLE NEW STAR SG-10
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features:—
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Downloadable character sets
NLQ, italics, condensed, enlarged, super & subscript styles.
High 120 CPS print speed, logic seeking.
Hex dump facility.
Macro-instructions.
Touch-sensitive control panel.
Standard parallel Centronics interface.
2K print buffer—expandable to 10K
Commodore 64 version available shortly
Normal (10 CPI)
Elite (12 CPI)
Condensed (17 CPI)
NLQ(IOCPI)
Line Spacing Vfe, Vein. or 7 A 2 in. Standard
Dimensions (W xDxH)
392 x 315 x 145mm (15.4 x 12.4 x 5.7 in.)
Number of Columns
80,96,136, (40,48,68 Double Width)
Print Head 9 Wires (User Replaceable)
Star SG-10 E259 + VAT
£297.85
Parallel cable for any Micro (max. price)
£20
2 Spare ink ribbons
£5
2000 sheets of continuous listing paper
£15
Next day doorstep delivery service
£10
£347.85
Datastar’s all in price £297.85!!!
Post your cheques to
Datastar Systems UK
Unicom House, 182 Royal College Street, London NW1 9NN. Telex 295931 UNICOM G
PERSONAL CALLERS WELCOME—We are situated by the junction of Camden Road, near the railway bridge
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-6 SUNDAY 10-1 EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOME
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AS MAIN DISTRIBUTORS FORTHESTAR RANGE, WE ARE ABLETOOFFER EXCELLENT DEALER MARGINS
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For the Commodore 64 £ 59.95
• CREATE HI-RES GRAPHICS INC. VAT
• TRANSFORM YOUR OWN PROGRAMS
• COMES COMPLETE WITH DISC AND TAPE SOFTWARE -
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• SOFTWARE INCLUDES HI-RES GRAPHICS PACKAGE,
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^^-Si i / « » / / 4
ATARI 520ST SPECIFICATION
memory
512K RAM (524.288 byte*)
16K ROM expandable to 320K
Port tor addnl 128K plug-in ROM cartridge*
200K TOS operating »yatem
GRAPHICS
I Individually addressable 32K bit-mapped
I screen with 3 screen graphics modes
320x200 pixels In 16 colours (low resolution)
640x200 pixels in 4 colours (med resolution)
640x400 pixels in monochrome (high res)
I 16 shades of grey in low res mode
I 512 colours available in low/medlum res
I 6 levels of each in red, green and blue
ARCHITECTURE
I 4 custom designed chips:
1 GLUE Chip - MMU Memory Mngmnt Unit
DMA Controller - Graphic* Processing Unit
I 16/32 bit Motorola 66000 processor at 8MHz
I eight 32 bit data registers
I eight 32 bit address registers
I 16 bit data bus/24 bit address bus
I 7 levels of lnterrupts/56 Instructions
I 14 addressing modes/5 data types
DATA STORAGE
I High speed hard disk interface
I Direct memory access 1 33 Mbytes per second
I CD (Compact Disc) interface
I Built in cartridge access
I Dedicated floppy disk controller
DISK DRIVE
I 500K (unformatted) s/slded 3V," floppy d/drive
I 349K (formatted) storage capacity
SOUND AND MUSIC
I Sound Generator
I Frequency control from 30Hz to above audible
I 3 voices (channels) in wave shaping sound in
I addition to a noise generator
I Separate frequency and volume controls
I Dynamic envelop* controls
I ADSR (Attack. Decay. Sustain. Release)
I Noise generator
I MIDI interface for external music synthesizers
KEYBOARD
I Separate keyboard microprocessor
I Standard QWERTY typewriter styling
I Ergonomic angle and height
I 95 keys including 10 function keys
I Numeric keypad — 18 keys including ENTER
I One touch cursor control keypad
MONITOR
I 12" screen - high res monochrome monitor
I 640x400 monochrome resolution
VIDEO PORTS
Display - Law Resolution - 40 columns
Med/High Res - 40/80 plus cols
Medium res RGB (Red/Green/Blue) output
High resolution monochrome (Black & White)
COMMUNICATIONS
Bidirectional centronics parallel interface for
printers, or modems capable of input/output
RS232C serial modem/printer interface
VT52 Terminal Emulation Software
Maximum Baud Rate up to 19,200
High speed hard disk interface
Floppy disk controller (Western Digital)
2 joystick ports (on* for 2 button mouse)
MIDI Interface for external music synthesizers
GEM WIMP ENVIRONMENT
WIMP - Window Icon Mouse Pop-down menus
Two button mouse controller
Icons/Pull down menus/Windows
GEM VDI - Virtual Device Interface
GEM AES - Application Environment Services
GEM BBT - Bit Block Transfer
Real time clock & calendar
SOFTWARE
GEM environment
with user trisndly Macintosh style operation
TOS' - Tramlel Operating System
Atari's own system based on CP/M 68K with
hierarchical directory 6 file structure plus a
host ot MS DOS 6 UNIX command structures
'BOS' - Business Operating System
to run any standard BOS business programs
GEM desktop
with OEM PAINT graphics mgmt system
and OEM WRITE word processor
Personal BASIC and DR Logo
originally written by Digital Research (DR)
Very much like those on other machines
except lor the extensive use ot pull down
menus, mouse control and windows
VARIOUS
Dimensions 470mmx240mmx60mm
Replaceable external power supplies
Expansion 3V,' floppy disk drive* 500K. 1.000K
(two drives can be connected)
3V 15Mb hard disk
CD (compact laser disc)
Dot matrix & d/wheel prntrs (black)
Thermal dot matrix (colour)
RGB 6 monochrome monitors
LANGUAGES
BASIC & LOGO supplied
Many others will soon be available, including:
Assembler. BCPL. C. Cobol. Compiled Basic
Lisp. Moduiar-2 and Pascal
iNote Some of the above specifications are pre-r e lease and may therefore be subject to change
i i
MACINTOSH V F16 V 520ST
"Imagine a Fat Mac - the 512K Apple Macintosh - but with a bigger screen, a far
bigger keyboard with numeric keypad, cursor and function keys, and colour That
gives you some idea of what the Atari 520ST is like, except for two important things
First the Atari seems faster Second the Atari system is about one third of the price
June 1985 - Jack Schofield - PRACTICAL COMPUTING
Price Includes B/W Monitor
Keyboard size mm (LxDxH)
Keyboard size ins (LxDxH)
3V?" D/Drive (Unformatted)
3V?" D/Dnve (Formatted)
Real-time Clock
Polyphonic Sound Generator
RS232 Serial Port
Centronics Parallel Printer Port
Hard Disk DMA Interface
Full stroke keyboard
Number of keys on keyboard
P (Window, Icon, Mouse ...)
Dedicated Floppy Disk Controller
Numeric Keypad
Cursor Control Keypad
Function keys
16-bit processor
Processor running speed
Number of graphics modes
Number of colours
Max Screen Resolution (pixels)
Mouse included
Replaceable External Power Pack
Cartridge Socket
Joystick Ports
MIDI Synthesiser Interface
ROB Video Output
Single Button
NO - extra £95
YES (16 keys)
System Cost with: Mouse - Monochrome Monitor - 512K RAM - 500K Pfafc Drive
Price of basic system (exc VAT)
Monochrome Monitor
Expansion to 512K RAM
Price of complete system (exc VAT)
DDIf*E rounded down
llllUC including VAT
£2595♦VAT [ £595'VAT
£2595-VAT | £1185*VAT
£2,8841 £1,362
£749
low coat
Atari's new corporate image as an aggressive
computer maker is likely to mirror that of Commodore where
Mr Tramiel established the maxim that Business is war "
August 21st 1964 FINANCIAL TIMES
"This is the only personal computer I know of that come* with
a Midi interface as standard '
Peter Bright March 1965 PERSONAL COMPUTER WORLD
"The (GEM) version running on the Atari 68000 machines will
have the additional advantage of leaving the PC version
standing ' April 6th 1985 PERSONAL COMPUTER NEWS
"I found it (GEM) extremely easy to us* and was very
impressed with the way in which it disguises the unfriendly
hardware and operating systems lurking under the surface
Peter Bright Feb 1965 PERSONAL COMPUTER WORLD
PRESS COMMENT
The electronics in the machine are a work ot art The heart
of the 520ST is a Motorola 68000 on* of the most powerful
16-bit processors around and in many respects it is dose to
being a 32-bit chip when the machine appears in the shops.
I'll be at the front end of the queue to buy one
Peter Bright June 1985 PERSONAL COMPUTER WORLD
"This machine is significantly more powerful than an IBM PC
If it's possible to design a sure-fire winning machine, this is
it " May 11th 1985 PERSONAL COMPUTER NEWS
the use of GEM makes the new rang* of Atari computers
so similar to the Macintosh (with the added attraction of
colour), that they are already being called Jackmtoshes
May 2nd 1965 COMPUTING
The new Atari ST computers truly represent to the consumer T
what Jack Tramiel is saying — easy-to-use computing power
without the price March 1965 ANALOG COMPUTING
"It (the ST) uses the most modern technology that is
affordable, in a package that gives a professional impression
May 23rd 1965 POPULAR COMPUTING WEEKLY |
"The Atari ST is one of the most elegant designs I have seen
Atari has used an original and elegant method of memory I
management which should make the ST faster than any other
PC on the market - in any price bracket The 64K dollar
question is would I go out and spend money for one? To
which the only answer is Try and stop me 1 ' "
John Lambert July 1965 ELECTRONICS S COMPUTING I
The 520ST is technically excellent The 520ST hardware is |
the new standard by which others will be judged "
July 1965 YOUR COMPUTER I
ATARI
A.520ST
POWER WITHOUT THE PRICE
THE NEW ATARI 520ST
Under the new leadership of Jack Tramiel (former boss and founder of Commodore
Business Machines), Atari Corporation have marked their entry into the world of
business/personal computers with a machine which leaves the competition standing
Tramiel# slogan ‘Power Without the Price' has been implemented in the manufacture
of the new 512K Atari 520ST colour computer which offers the user amazingly high
performance at an incredibly low price. Launched as a work-station, this new system
incorporates seven software packages as well as the 520ST computer with 512K RAM.
mouse controller, high resolution monochrome monitor (640x400). 95 key keyboard
(with 18 key numeric keypad). MIDI interface. OEM and a 500K 3’ ? inch disk drive, all
for the package price of only £651.30 (+VAT = £749). Dubbed the Mac beater' and the
Jackintosh' (after Atari's Chief, Jack Tramiel). Atari's new machine has been directly
compared with the Apple Macintosh RRP £2595 (♦VAT = £2985) which offers similar
features and capabilities but at a much higher price. Favourably reviewed by the UK's
highly critical specialist qomputer press, the 520ST is likely to make a great impact in
this country as a sophisticated alternative to an IBM PC, APRICOT or APPLE
MACINTOSH. Unlike its overpriced competitors, the Atari 520ST can be linked up to a
I colour monitor to unleash a choice of up to 512 colours The addition of colour brings
I out the full potential of graphics packages such as GEM.
USER FRIENDLY GEM OPERATING SYSTEM
I The power of the ST is harnessed and made user friendly by the new operating
I system GEM' from Digital Research GEM stands for Graphics Environment Manager
I and allows a user friendly colour or B/W graphics interface which closely resembles
I that of the Macintosh. This similarity extends to the use of moveable resizeable
I windows, icons to represent objects such as disks and disk drives, and the use of pull
I down menus and a mouse. The advantage of all this is that the computer becomes
I extremely easy to use. GEM has now been implemented for the Acorn. ACT. Atari.
I IBM. ICL. and Olivetti. Software written for GEM on one computer should also run
I under GEM on another computer. This will enable the market to quickly produce a
I large library of standard interchangeable software
FREE SOFTWARE AND FUTURE EXPANSION
I The Atari 520ST comes supplied with seven free software packages as listed below
I 1) TOS -Tramiel Operating System based on CPM 68K 2) GEM Graphics Environment
I Manager by Digital Research (DR) giving a WIMP (Window, Icon, Mouse. Pull down
I menu) environment. 3) DR GEM Paint for creating graphics masterpieces. 4) DR GEM
I Write for word processing. 5) Logo learning language to enable you to write your own
I programs easily using turtle graphics. 6) DR Personal Basic a powerful user friendly
I version of the Basic programming language. 7) BOS operating system giving you
I access to dozens of business applications packages already available on the market
I Designed with future expansion in mind, the ST also features a host of different
I interfaces to the outside world and an impressive list of accessories is planned Atari
I will soon be releasing a 1000K (1MB) 3V ? inch disk drive, and a 15MB hard disk
I storage system as well as a mass storage compact disk (CD) player capable of storing
I an entire 20 volume encyclopedia on one disk A full range of inexpensive printers are
I planned including dot matrix, daisywheel and thermal colour printers. With its
I unbeatable graphics, speed and software at a price which is far below that of any
I comparable personal computer currently on the market, the ST is all set to do battle
I with the competition. To receive further details pf the ST from Silica Shop, just fill in
I the coupon below with your name and address details and post it to us
Silica Shop Price: £65130 * C97.70 VAT - £749.00 Thlt price Inductee:
*512K RAM irB/W MONITOR
| ★ MOUSE ★ 500K 3.5" DISK DRIVE
GEM ★ KEYBOARD (95 KEYS)
A
ATARI
WE ARE THE UK’S N01 ATARI SPECIALISTS
| At Silica we have been successfully dedicated to Atari ever since their products first appeared on the UK
market. We can attribute our success largely to the Atari specialisation which we practice and to the user
I back-up we provide. Rest assured that when you buy a piece of Atari hardware at Silica you will be fully
supported. Our mailings giving news of software releases and developments will keep you up to date with
the Atari market and our technical support team and sales staff are at the end of the telephone line to
deal with your problems and supply your every need With our specialist bias, we aim to keep stocks of
all the available Atari hardware, software, peripherals and accessories. We also stock a wide range of
Atari dedicated books and through us. the owners on our list can subscribe to several American Atari
dedicated magazines We can provide a full service to all Atari owners and are now firmly established as
the UK's NUMBER ONE Atari specialists Here are just some of the things we can offer to our customers
* FREE POST & PACKING ON MAIL ORDERS If you would like to be registered on our mailing
| ★ FREE NEXJ" DAY SECURICOR DELIVERY list as an Atari computer owner, or as a person
.SILICA SHOP LTD, 1-4 The Mews, Hatherley Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4DX
III |SEND FOR FREE ATARI ST LITERATURE
ATARI
^ To: Silica Shop Ltd, Dept PCW 0885, 1-4 The Mews, Hatherley Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4DX
I PLEASE SEND ME FREE LITERATURE
ON THE NEW ATARI 520ST COMPUTER
Mr/Mrs/Ms:
Address:
Initials:
r INFORMATION MAILING SERVICE
★ TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAM
+ HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICES
★ AFTER SALES SUPPORT SERVICE
L * REPAIR SERVICE ON ATARI PRODUCTS
Interested In buying an Atari machine, let us
know. We will be pleased to keep you up to date
with new Atari developments free of charge. So,
return the coupon today and begin experiencing
a specialist Atari service that Is second to none.
SILICA
HOTLINE
® 01-3091111
f Do
Do you already own a computer
If so, which one do you own?
jf fAkrocomputtr f
Mty mtsym
covet m\cvo §to>nV\v wvatVel
from clvx*mg *vft \ \i«w
XV Ate lo t\K \At«Sl tfcvctaf* \ a Vj .
menis m local JKi network' \
Xbovc All. P( Week- ^ \
strength \it> in its direct accevs \ \ «
u> that nwist valuable commod- \ \
Ity-ocws \
Developments of Import* \\
u> the V K mlcroamv \ \
puling, prdoMon - from \ \_
wherever in the world - will \ \
he in IX Week first Micro \
pUlfOMOtUls Of All types - \
whether they he OV maittg* \
ntent. htuncul executives or '
niAiiAgiiig director - vs ill turn
to IX Week lor ttgwv tor in
response to a new hut mcrcAs-
mg demand tor infotmAtion m
a market whose development
continues to he remarkable
In \9Hh there wilt he more
software, more machines and
further icchnologieAl strides
d the applications and imphea-
K . X f ons of micros At work con ante
* tinuc to multipls business
on microcomputing needs \ts own
;xs> newspaper
and IX Week will cover even
.tspect ot professional micro*
new computing, - horn reporting,
sionai hrst on all new micro hardware
heen and software launches to ana
ieltss hsing the latest marketing, and formation and lot guidance
"computer publisher-- feaneial trends in the indvvstn Xdverttects arming to teas'
ncrship with /.iff Davis. ' aeh week, too. An impressive these multiple purchasers .
KT n , the hugely sue array sit experts and columnists hardware sottwurc and s,
i IX Week in the l kX vs '" examine the technical vises svrll fu\^ i*
■ i, U " - A problems associated with cv
om September ot this year
rolessUmal microeompu*
c r managers and buyers
will he served by tire hrst
V K microcomputing week¬
ly newspaper written speci¬
fically tor them.
p< W eek, a gh«»sy tahtor
newspaper, wdl appear tor tV
hrst time on Wednesday
September, and trom then
will provide a unique n<
media tor both readers
advertisers - every week.
Vhe V nix microcomputer
ket is grow\wg\tt** **
unmatchahle
Name
Job Title
M heence to A
an M micros \
unchsd at the 111
ill he the Mr si n\
cuts to show oil ihs'
t»V.M emulates
intosh's simplicity
appe al w ith a mow* 1
cutting and pasting
features hut it vug
fdc by a consider.,
Company Name __
Company Address
Are you involved in the purehasi
of microcomputers? Yes □ ^ ( (
VNU Business Publications BV u p
— , - Lnn ^-i 11 ,
work AppuWIW^>^^^^*l
\ait U" vhtreat\«*n
- »- .r\« Tu'> products. ot which
you still
waiting a month
^ur news)
These days, you don't have r< > m
be a DP specialist to need news on
professional microcomputing.
If your work is in financial, _
J'safcs, production or general
management, it's probably
‘'‘equally important.
Whatever your job title
you need news and ^Hj
" information on professional
microcomputing because vou'rc ■
involved with the purchasing
and management of micro¬
systems at work.
Now there is a newspaper
written specially for you. Kach
week from September 4th
PC Week will bring you unique
news coverage, hardware and
software reports and new product
reviews from both sides of the
Atlantic.
An impressive array of experts
and columnists will examine the
technical problems associated with
everything f rom chtxising software
to the latest developments on local
area networks.
The distribution of PC Week will
carefully controlled. If vou would like
to apply for a
complimcnt.m HP
subscription please I
fill in the coupon s
and return it to us |
via VNU Business HjiUti|jttj|k|j||jj
Publications BV, I
FRKhPOST 25, ■ffM
London,W IE 6EZ. |
PCW
,S\ONW_M\CROCOWU
RMTMNSHRSTHE'WSI
/eek-Britain’
first newspaper of
professii >nal
microcomputing.
KxiScVU W
l\
HpqO"
I 1
Mkock
Write programs to unlock the multitasking power of your QL!
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QL PASCAUm
Newly available, a true Pascal compiler for the QL!
Developed by Metacomco: leaders in Pascal - the first
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> True compiler producing native 68000 code:
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> Fast, single pass compilation without intermediate
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ASSEMBLER
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INC VAT
A high specification macro assembler supporting the full
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INC VAT
A LISP interpreter for exploring "The language of
artificial intelligence".
Features: Turtle graphics; compatible with LISP
for the BBC micro; full support of QL features; struc¬
ture editor; prettyprinter; garbage collector and tracer.
NEW
Every DEVELOPMENT KIT includes Metacomco's
popular screen editor, and a detailed manual.
The Metacomco Development Kits are
available from W.H. Smith, John Lewis *
HMV, Menzies, Boots and other leadinq I
retailers, or direct from Metacomco I
newscoRcoi
26 Portland Square, Bristol BS2 8RZ
Tel; Bristol (0272) 428781
QL and QDOS are the trade names of Sinclair Research Ltd
NAME
ADDRESS
POSTCODE
TEL NO.
SIGNATURE
Phone today or post this coupon to: j
Metacomco, 26 Portland Square,
■ Bristol BS2 8RZ. Please send me:
Assembler Development Kit £39.95_
LISP Development Kit £59.95 —
BCPL Development Kit £59.95
QL PASCAL Development Kit£89.95 _
I enclose a cheque for £_or
debit my ACCESS/VISA Account No.
includes VAT, posta<
.CARD EXPIRY DATE
postage and packing UK mainland only
r\ T Un. I c-- |
Delivery, allow up to 28 days PCW10 I
AUGUST 1985 PC W 65
TELEPHONE (0784| 35357/8/9 TELEX 918886 ALPHAD G.
Features:
Five usable expansion slots.
Sits neatly alongside your system.
Very simple installation.
On-board power supply.
XF—800 £495 + VAT.
XF-800 (without IBM PC compatibility) £395 + VAT.
XE-6 £245 + vat!
A special customer price on an XF-800 plus XE-6
is available on application.
DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
The sub-system is thus configured as
a second or third drive, as appropriate
has two principle applications:
Will format, read and write diskettes
for use with the IBM PC, giving total
file compatibility.This includes all four
principle IBM PC formats.
800k formatted capacity for exclusive
operation with the Apricot PC, Xi, FI
and Fie.
XE-6: Six Port Expansion Unit.
Another new PROFESSION AL product
from Alpha Disc, Ex. stock. The perfect
complimentary product to the XF-800,
and more...
4IPI4 JiJC
Exciting new products
for your Apricot
PC, Xi, FI and Fie!
XF-800: IBM PC COMPATIBLE! _
DISC DRIVE
The unique XF-800 floppy disc drive
sub-system comprises a slim 40/80 track
switchable, double-sided 5.25" floppy disc
drive and on-board power supply, with
MS-DOS driver software and an interface/
controller card that locates in an expansion
slot.
IBM PC
COMPATIBILITY
UNIT 2 CRABTREE ROAD THORPE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE EGHAM SURREY TW20 8RN
CAP IT ALL
WITH
Da Vinci of London
EDMONTON
HENDON
ROMFORD
HARROW
North Circular Road
# KINGSTON UPON THAMES
CROYDON
# HEATHROW
I f you look at what is offered by other
dealers, you'll find that Da Vinci "Cap It All"
around London.
Established for over 6 years in the field of
microcomputer sales we have a solid base.
Our superb showroom - office - workshop
complex is probably the best custom built
facility currently available and essential for
authorised dealers of all market leaders.
An enquiry to our company, will result in
prompt attention from one of our know-
ledgable sales executives, and demonstra¬
tions can be carried out at either your HQ
or ours.
Although not a "warehouse", we know you
will find our quotations acceptable, and
whether a first - time or repeat purchaser,
our advice with regard to hardware and
software selection, will always be based
upon your individual requirements.
Installation and training can be scheduled
precisely, so that your system is up and
working for you with the minimum of delay.
You'll find our expert maintenance division
provides the back-up essential to successful
continuity with a short-period call-out
contract available, as well as stocks of parts
and peripherals and repair service.
If all this sounds too good to be true, we
would just like to mention accessibility; 2
minutes from the Ml, A1, North Circular
Road, A41, nearest Tube station or Brent
Cross (drop the wife off); 15 minutes from
the M25, 25 minutes from Central London,
40 minutes from Heathrow and an hour or
so from the Midlands. We have easy Free
car parking to the rear and are open Satur¬
days as well as weekdays.
We think you'll agree, - DA VINCI CAP IT
ALL.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
apricot #
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
WOR2ERAFT
M
0 0^0 0^0
PEGASUS
BUSINESS
Klj j
SOFTWARE
w. \lvi7 i
Vinci
Computer
Store
112 BRENT STREET HENDON NW4 Tel: 01-202 2272/3/4
Telex: 265871 (monrefg) REFER TO 81 MMD102
TELECOM GOLD 81: MMD 102
AUGUST 1985 PC W 67
MICROCOMPUTER RENTAL
_^^H^ra-Rent, Britain's top-value specialist in microcomputer rental.
MACINTOSH ____ —
• Try before you buy
• Flexible terms — weekly, monthly, annual
• No capital outlay/Immediate delivery
• Purchase option with rebate of rental
Micro-Rent is Britain's top-value
microcomputer rental specialist. You can hire
on a shortterm basis, and give the leading
machines a thorough trial in your own office,
before deciding on the right one for your
needs.
if you already use a micro, Micro-Rent can
supply additional machines for short-term
projects, or to cover breakdowns. Extra
printers or monitors also available.
Micro-Rent is independent of any
manufacturer, and offers expert impartial
advice on all aspects of microcomputer use.
CALL TODAY 01-833 2531
• Prices quoted are based on 3-month rental, excluding VAT
Mm
OSBORNE APRICOT
IBM PC APPLE lie
SIRIUS LISA
MACINTOSH
MICRO-RENT
127 Cloudesley Road, London Ni
MICRO-RENT
---
Try a Macintosh for a month!
£175
special one-month
rental offer
Micro-Rent makes It easy
to try the world s friendliest computer.
Macintosh is the personal computer that surprises everyone —
because it is so easy to use, and so amazingly versatile with its range
of software.
Now Micro-Rent makes your introduction to simple, fuss-free
business computing even easier. Rent a Mac for a month from Micro-
Rent for just El 75 — including software!
This special offer lets you evaluate Macintosh in your own office
and give it a full-scale trial before you decide whether to buy one.
And if you do decide to buy, Micro-Rent even refund your month’s
rental! Phone now — offer subject to machine availability, closes
Mav 31 Micro-Rent, Britain's leading
business computer rental specialists.
word processing Graphics
CALL TODAY 01-833 2531
Mm
MICRO RENT Authorised Apple Dealer.
127 Cloudesley Road, London N.l.
68 PCW AUGUST 1985
CUMANA
Special Price Offers!
SPECTRUM AND SPECTRUM PLUS DISK INTERFACE
Convenience of double density disk operation for only £99.95
DELTA INTERFACE FOR YOUR DRAGON
Dragon 32 Disk Controller for only £49.95
DISK DRIVE SUITABLE FOR USE WITH APPLE MODELS II & IIE
AS 501 disk drive only £114.95
RS 232 BOARD FOR TANDY MODELS 111/4 only £39.95
EXTERNAL HARD DISK FOR TANDY MODELS 111/4 (5MB)
only £895.00
WESTERN DIGITAL WD 1005.1 CONTROLLER CARD
for only £114.95
Z 80 DISK PACK Cumana price only £599.95
CUMANA CSX 351 3 V 2 " single drive without power supply only £79.95
CUMANA CDX352 3 V 2 " dual drive without power supply only £139.95
CUMANA 31/2" single sided double density diskettes box of 10 £24.95
THE SUPER MCP 40 COLOUR PRINTER/PLOTTER
compatible with the BBC/Dragon/Tandy only £69.95
TH 1603 A Spectrum compatible data cassette recorder £19.95
TH 1603 C Commodore compatible data cassette recorder £19.95
TH 1603 H BBC compatible data cassette recorder £19.95
Limited offer, all products are subject to availability. All prices are inclusive of V.A.T.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Tandy is a registered trademark.
Spectrum is a registered trademark.
E and OE
ORDER FORM (SPECTRUM OFFER)
To: CUMANA LIMITED, THE PINES TRADING ESTATE, BROAD STREET, GUILDFORD, SURREY GU3 3BH TEL: 0483 503121
Please rush me:.
I enclose cheque/PO* for.or debit my access/visa* card no.'Delete as applicable
NAME..
ADDRESS.
^0,
r O{/.
® 77 ,
S °C»,
69
ORIC AND SINCLAIR
COMPUTERS
MCP40 One pnnter/plotter £109 (£110) £122. Sinclair
pocket TV £97 (£95) £101 Sinclair QL Computer
£379 (£378) £399 QL Floppy disk interlace £107
(£103) £109 3.5" disk drive to suit this interface £177
(£176) £196. Sinclair Spectrum Plus Computer 48K
£127 (£129) £149 Kit to upgrade the Spectrum to
Spectrum Plus £30 (£30) £40 Microdrive £49 (£50)
£60. RS232 interface 1 £49 (£50) £60. Special offer:
Microdrive - Interface 1 + 4 cartridges £97 (£99)
£107. Blank microdnve cartridges £2.50 (£3) £4.
Spectrum floppy disk interface (See Cumana disk
section for suitable disk drives) £97 (£89) £99.
Interface 2 £20.45 (£20) £24. 32K memory upgrade
kit for 16K Spectrum (issue 2 and 3 only) £31 (£28)
£30. Spectrum Centronics printer interface £46 (£42)
£47. ZX printer has been replaced by the Alphacom
32 £71 (£69) £82. 5 printer rolls (State whether
Sinclair or Alphacom) £13 (£16) £21. ZX81 computer
£35 (£35) £45. 16K ram packs for Z81 £28 (£25) £30.
COMMODORE
COMPUTERS
Commodore C16 Starter Pack £119 (£119) £151
Commodore 64 £189 (£194) £226. Convertor to allow
most ordinary mono cassette recorders to be used
with the Vic 20 and the Commodore 64 £9.78 (£9)
£11. Commodore cassette recorder £43 (£44) £50.
Centronics pnnter interface for Vic 20 and the
Commodore 64 £45 (£41) £46. Disk drive £197
(£201) £232.
ACORN COMPUTERS
Acorn Electron £119 (£119) £139. BBC Model B £354
(£343) £383. BBC Model B with disk interface £474
(£461) £491. New BBC Model B Plus £497 (£484)
£514. See below for suitable disk drives. Colour
monitor £188 (£229) £268
AMSTRAD, ATARI
AND ENTERPRISE
COMPUTERS
Amstrad colour computer £342 (£348) £388. Amstrad
green computer £232 (£247) £287 Atari 130XE
computer £158 (£163) £183 Atari 520ST computer
£634 (£616) £656 Atari 800XL computer - recorder
£120 (£123) £143 Atari 800XL Computer + disk
drive £229 (£230) £260 Atari data recorder £34 (£37)
£47. Atari disk drive £172 (£171) £191. Atari 1020
printer £93 (£99) £115. Enterprise 64 computer £172
(£170) £190 Enterprise 128 £233 (£229) £249
CUMANA DISK
DRIVES
To suit disk interfaces of Sinclair QL, Spectrum, and
BBC B. Single 40 track single sided £164 (£163)
£183, 40 tr double sided £169 (£168) £188, 80 tr ds
£219 (£209) £229. Dual 40 tr ss £294 (£280) £320,
40 tr ds £325 (£325) £365, 80 tr ds £414 (£390) £430
PRINTERS "* -
MCP40 4 colour printer/plotter £109 (£110) £122.
Brother HR5 £162 (£161) £193 Brother M1009 £218
(£214) £245. Shmwa CTI CPA80 centronics parallel
version £218 (£222) £258 RS232 version £238
(£240) £282. Cannon PW1080A £312 (£308) £358.
Epson RX80 £249 (£249) £282 Epson RX80F T +
£283 (£281) £316. Epson FX80 £429 (£420) £450.
Combined matrix printers and electric typewriters:
Brother EP22 £135 (£124) £144, Brother EP44 £230
(£226) £246.
BUSINESS
COMPUTERS
Epson PX8 £900 (£872) £892. Commodore PC10
£1595 (£1564) £1664 Commodore PC20 £2573
(£2485) £2685. Sanyo MBC 775 £1920 (£1899)
£1999. Cannon A200C £1609 (£1586) £1686. Sanyo
MBC550 £723 (£699) £799 Sanyo MBC550-2 £975
(£939) £1039 Sanyo MBC555-2 £1343 (£1322)
£1422
SWANLEY ELECTRONICS
The Computer Export Specialists
Dept PCW, 32 Goldsel Rd, Swanley, Kent BR8 8EZ, England
Tel: SWANLEY (0322) 64851. Official orders welcome. UK prices are
shown first and include post and VAT. The second price in brackets is
for export customers in Europe and includes insured airmail postage.
The third price is for export customers outside Europe (including
Australia etc) and includes insured airmail postage.
IF YOU SHOULD BE TALKING TO
ICL DO IT THROUGH TANGOGATE
TANGOGATE enables single or networked
microcomputers which run under Concurrent
CP/M™ to integrate into synchronous com¬
munication networks using C01/C03 protocols.
FROM THE PEOPLE WHO GAVE YOU
TANGOLYNK
The Old Berkshire Hunt Kennels
Kingston Bagpuize
Oxon 0X13 5AP
Telephone (0865) 821177
"Tredemerk of Digital Remarch Inc.
The Computer Centre,
Bugbrooke Road, GAYTON,
NORTHAMPTON NN7 3EU.
TEL: (0604) 85801!.
-PRACTICAL-
PRINTER STANDS-
SENSIBLE PRICES
• Makes paper management simple and easy
• Stands neatly on a desk top
• Supply paper locates below the printer; reduces sprocket tear
and can stay in its carton
• Stands are complete with tray; sturdy construction throughout
• Quantity discounts on application
Please send cheque with order mhb
or include your ACCESS/BARCLAYCARD No:
Tel: (0981) 540262 pLEASE
NAME SUPPLY
Qty
Price
Each
Total'
COMPANY:
Model
AR15
£32.20
ADDRESS.
Model
AL24
£59.80
POST CODE:
TCI MO. _ _
Grand Total
70PCW AUGUST 1985
Discount Micros!
SAVE HUNDREDS OF£££s
on the BEST RANGE OF MICROCOMPUTERS at the BEST PRICES!
APRICOT
XI 256K 10MB + Mon . . .
XI 256K 5MB + Mon . . .
PC 256K, 2 x 720K + Mon.
PC 256K.2 x 315K + Mon.
FI 256K, 1 x 720K + Mon
Fie 128K, 1 x 315K + Mon.
£2348
£2148
£1598
£1398
£1048
£848
IBM PC
i 28K 'XT' 10MB.
128K 'XT' 10MB Colour .
64K 'PC', 2 x 320K ....
64K 'PC', 2 x 320K Colour
£2998
£3298
£1598
£1898
APPLE
Macintosh 128K inc. Mon..
Macintosh 512K inc. Mon .
lie 64K + Mon.
£1498
COMPAQ
256 K, 10MB. £2999
256K, 2 x 320K. £1698
Deskpro 2. £2095
Ka ypro A.T. Compatible
IMEWl £ 3299 MM.
_ Discount Micros Ltd.
YEARS PEACE OF MIND PROTECTION AGAINST*
OLIVETTI
M24 PC + Mon.
M21 Portable. £1498
M10 Lap held. £359
SANYO
MBC 550 (128K, 1 x 160K)
MBC 555 (128K, 2 x 160K)
MBC 550(1 x 360K).
MBC 555 (2 x 360K)
£1398
£2199
£599
£598
£798
£798
£1098
— Breakdown, theft, etc.
— Loss of data
— Cost of hiring another machine
— Insurance in transit
*Option available
Other machines on request.
To place your order for IMMEDIATE
DELIVERY, call Vanessa on
01-938 2151 (20 lines)
•Offer lasts for limited period only and is subject to VAT
and change without notice!
7 Kensington High Street, London W.8.
Please send me
CD Quote on
Name
CD Information on
□ Ring me
CD Urgent
Title
Company _
Address _
Phone
Postcode _
Extension
LU X Q_ O 0C I— GOQuLUO — <—I — COh-GO
Nobody knows as much about
COMMUNICATIONS AS THE BYTE SHOP
C ommunication is something The Byte
Shop is quite expert at. Communication
between person and person. Machine and
machine. Man and machine.
More companies recognise this today
which is why fewer and fewer are investing
in ‘stand-alone’ computer systems.
Now the emphasis is on networking
capabilities. It’s an aspect that gives more
people more access to computers so they
can interchange ideas and information.
The Byte Shop has the expertise to
provide objective advice on networking as
well as a broad spectrum of computer
related topics.
We will assess your current needs and
future requirements. We can also install
and commission your complete system.
Help you make the right choice of
application software. Train your staff
and supply that all important service
and technical back-up.
At The Byte Shop you’ll get a system
that suits your needs and your budget. Send
for our free brochure, ‘Where can you count
on getting the right Business Computer?’,
simply complete and post the coupon.
Authorised Dealers of IBM PC, Comart,
Compaq and Data General.
y ]\/[Pi BUSINESS COMPUTER CENTRES
llYE SICP
l^j A Kode International pic Company
Head Office: The Byte Shop Limited,Grove House, Little Paxton,
Cambs. PE19 4EL. Telephone:0480 218812. Telex:32514G
To: The Byte Shop Head Office, FREEPOST, Grove House, Little Paxton, i
Cambs. PE19 4BR (No stamp required) •
Please send me.copies of your brochure |
Name. |
Company. j
Position Tel.
Address I
BYTE SHOP NATIONWIDE BUSINESS CENTRES: LONDON (01) 387 0505 • BIRMINGHAM (021) 622 3165 • GLASGOW (041) 221 8202
MANCHESTER (061) 236 4737 - NOTTINGHAM (0602)470576 * SOUTHAMPTON (0703)334711
72 PCW AUGUST 1985
ce. We buy disks from
\j* ^^Bciurers to our specifications,
nd grade them in our London
A»'
ly Guaranteed
The XLTRON quality control is so stringent that
we can give our famous ‘two for one’ guarantee. If
you find a faulty disk, return it to us, and we’ll
send you two in exchange immediately. All part of
our five year guarantee.
■
^^•bOX 119
plus VAT £2.85 and £2
£23.85
I 15 in a
midl«box £25
plus VAT £3.75 and £2 p&p
o
rr)
Ui
II
.75
25 in a
> MEGA*BOX
£42 plus VAT £6.30 and £2
P&P =
£50.30
50 in a
i MEGA*BOX
£80 plus VAT £12 and £2
P&P =
£94.00
O TYVEX is a registered name of Du Pont.
c Rhinokote is a registered name of Rhino Magnetics Ltd
c XLTRON is a rcgisiered name of XLTRON Ltd
s Very
established in our new showroom in
ed Place. You can save our £2 delivery charge
by calling in - you’ll be welcome weekdays from
10.00am till 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm.
Help Lines
01-6310255
01-6313600
If you want help or information to place an order
just ring our ‘help’ lines.
Official Orders
We accept orders from all government bodies,
schools, universities, libraries, armed forces etc.
We despatch on receipt of an official purchase
order. If you can’t raise a cheque without an
invoice, just post or telephone your order and we’ll
send you a pro-forma by return.
To: Disco • Tech (U.K.) Ltd., Lex House, 3-6 Alfred Place, London WC1, England
Just fill in the coupon or send your order on a postcard or letter. Or phone your order on 01.631 3600 OR
01.631 0255 Please send me the following (tick the appropriate boxes):
25 ss/dd disks at only £25 inc VAT
25ds/dddisksatonly£31.25inc VAT +£2p&p
25 ds/dd disks at only £35.95 inc VAT
With
- it’s tough!
The
xiuss
MEGA* BOX
from Disco-Tech (UK) Ltd.
Disk
The MEGA BOX is a top quality rigid plastic
storage box with see-through lid and four dividers
Holds up to 60 diskettes.
All disks are 5*/4
feature:
Write protect notch
Hub rings
Double density (D/D)
suitable for
single density (S/D)
Tyvex sleeves
• Full set of labels and
write protect tabs
• Meets all ANSI
specifications
KMd F1 °ppy
M
rnrm/r
Disco-Tech (U.K.) Ltd.,
Lex House, 3-6 Alfred Place,
London WC1, England.
Disco-Tech (U.K.) LTD. are the
sole distributors of XLTRON.
I enclose a cheque/p.o. for £ _or debit my Access/Diners/Amex card
Card no___
Name:_Signature:_
Address:_ __
_Postcode:
(Block Capitals Please)
PCW8/85
—
I / 1 ^
iWTSfwi n
Riteman II features 80 column, 160 cps and
Epson FX 80® compatibility
Riteman Blue Plus with 80 column, 140 cps
and IBM® PC® compatibility
Riteman 15 with 136 column, 160 cps and
Epson FX 100® compatibility
C. Itoh’s Riteman
range of printers -
the Rite choice in
low cost printers.
The Riteman range, available from C.Itoh,
brings you big printer performance in units
which set new standards for compact, reliable
printers.
Whether you need a lightweight, full-featured
or high-speed multi-mode commercial model,
the Riteman range offers the print speed,
quality and reliability you need.
Riteman
F Plus low cost dot matrix printer
with 105 cps print speed, is compatible with
Epson FX 80, R and with its unique paper
handling and stacking system the Riteman F
Plus uses the minimum of space in operation.
Riteman
Blue Plus is specifically designed to
complement the IBM K PC®, and is compatible
with all three of the most popular modes of
operation: EBM® Graphics Printer, Epson
RX 80 FT®, and MX 80 FT®. You even get
quad density mode for quality graphics.
Riteman
II gives 160 cps performance in a unit
small enough to fit in a 3 inch deep briefcase.
Features include 2k buffer and expandable 8k
buffer, 256 programmable character modes,
proportional spacing, and Epson FX 80®
compatibility.
Riteman
15 is a 15 inch wide paper, 136
column printer which delivers 160 cps.
Features include six graphics modes, 128
typestyles, and nine sets of foreign characters.
The ideal business machine, it is also
Epson FX 100® compatible.
All models, except Blue Plus, feature NLQ^
print-mode for word processing applications.
IBM and PC are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines. Epson RX80 FT, MX 80 FT and FX
100 are registered trademarks of Epson Corp.
C.Itoh Electronics Co. Ltd., Beacon House, 26-28 Worple Road,
London. SW19 4EE. Tel: 01-946 4960. Tlx: 8955616.
RITE FIRST TIME
THE
LOWEST PRICES
IN PRINT
And that's a fact!
See for yourself by making sure you get on the Mancos Trade
Warehouse mailing list. Our Pricelist is published every 6 weeks with
all the latest at the lowest prices. Our stocklist includes:
MATRIX PRINTERS “
Digital ■ Dataproducts Paper Tigers ■ Epson ■ OKI Microline
Smith Corona ■ NEC Pinwriter ■ Mannesman Tally
LETTER QUALITY AND LINE PRINTERS
Uchida ■ Dyneer ■ Brother ■ NEC Spinwriter ■ Dataproducts full range
VDUs AND MONITORS
Wyse ■ Tatung ■ Digital ■ Hazeltine ■ Microcolour Graphics ■ Dyneer
GRAPH PLOTTERS
Gould ■ Hewlett-Packard
PLUS A FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER FURNITURE
TOP-LINE CHOICE/BOTTOM-LINE PRICES
Mancos Computers, Unit 3, Albany Road Trading Estate,Manchester M21 IBM
X T CONVERSION KITS
FOR IBM® AND COMPATIBLES
NEW FAST CONTROLLER!
WESTERN DIGITAL 1002 SWX-2
ST-506 STANDARD.£249
MR 521 HALF HEIGHT, 5J"
10MB WINCHESTER DRIVE (FORMATTED)
2-HEADS, AVERAGE 85ms ACCESS. £399
MR 522 HALF HEIGHT 5J" 20 MB
WINCHESTER DRIVE (FORMATTED)
4 HEADS, AVERAGE 85ms ACCESS.£579
UPGRADE 130 WATT POWER SUPPLY. £149
SET OF CABLES FOR ABOVE.£25
RAM CHIP SALE!!!
4164 64K DRAM 150ns.£1.99 each
4128 128K DRAM 150ns.£7.49 each
(for upgrade IBM AT)
41256 256K RAM 150ns.£5.99 each
(for upgrade Olivetti-M24, Compaq Deskpro etc)
Prices exclude VAT and delivery. For terms see our other
advertisements.
aisiTFisru
BUSINESS SYSTEMS LTD
M, MAPLE DRIVE, CAST ORINiTlAD, WEST lUNf X, RH19 3UR
TEL: (03^) 2<4631« 313*427
tlx: 9575^7
APPLE MACINTOSH
WE ARE THE EXPERTS
Stirling Microsystems are London’s Apple Macintosh specialists.
Choose from our extensive range of computers, disk drives, printers
and the hundreds of business and leisure software packages that
are all available ex stock.
THE BUSINESS COMPUTER STORE
231 BAKER STREET, LONDON NW1 6XE
TELEPHONE: 01-935 5262
OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9.30 AM-6.00PM
MACOB
SYSTEMS
DIRECTTO YOU AT WHOLESALE PRICES
_
COMPUTERS
MONITORS
BBC-B
£329
Microvitec 1431
£185
BBC-BD
£419
Microvitec 1451
£279
BBC-B+
£489
Philips BM7502
£83
DFS (Acorn)
£90
DISKS
Z80 2nd Processor
£389
6502 2nd Processor
£189
D/SD/D80T £20 (box of 10)
CBM 64
Available for
(Fully guaranteed)
Sinclair
export
box of 10
PRINTERS
MODEMS
Canon PW1080A
£279
Pace Nightingale
£130
Canon PW1156A
£389
Kaga KP810
£279
DISK DRIVES
Epson RX80FT.
£242
Cumana CSX100 SS 40T
£103
Quendata 20cps
£239
Cumana CSX400 DS 40/80T
£155
Juki 6100
£332
Cumana CD200 SS 40T + PSU
£242
Cumana CD800 DS 40/80T + PSU
£356
FIRMWARE
PSU
£20
View
£48
Wordwise +
£48
• Price includes VAT at 15% and delivery is
Disc Doctor
£29
FREE in the UK.
Printmaster
£29
• To order just send a cheque or postal order
to us and the goods reach you fast.
DATA RECORDERS
• Trade enquiries welcome.
| Omega
£21
• Remember, our name is our guarantee. j
MACOB SYSTEMS
1 8 Lister Gardens, London N181 HZ. Tel: 01 -8031622
Telex: 8954029 att.MACOB
Jr y
AUGUST 1985 PC W 75
Appointed Dealers for
ITTXTRA, PEGASUS,
LOTUS
SYSTIME, PSION,
XCHANGE
We offer a complete service including comprehensive
demonstrations, installation and training. On site
maintenance contracts can be arranged.
BUSINESS COMPUTERS
Apricot FI
Apricot PC 315K Twin with monitor
Apricot PC 720K Dual with monitor
Apricot Xi 10 10Mb with monitor
ITT XTRA120 256K 2xD/S disk with monitor
ITTXTRA130 256K1 xD/S diskette 10Mb with monitor
PRINTERS
Brother M-1009
Canon PW1080A
Epson RX80F/T
Epson FX80
174 Epson RX100
280 Epson FX100
243 Juki 2200
412 Juki 6100
Penman Plotter prices from £249
All prices exclude VAT
995
1595
1795
2795
2320
3430
422
519
260
349
Business software available including Pegasus, Lotus,
Multiplan, Volkswriter, and many others.
We accept official orders from UK Government and
Educational Establishments.
Export enquiries welcome.
Leasing available. Ask for written details.
Showroom opening hours: MON-SAT. 9.00am-5.30pm
MIRAGE MICROCOMPUTERS LTD
24 Bank Street Braintree Essex CM7 7UL
Telephone Braintree (0376) 48321
An unbeatable
range of completely
portable, instantly useable,
highly reliable Acoustic Couplers — at astoundingly low prices.
3005 Originate only mode CCITT V21 with external power supply
unit. Diagnostic LEDS. Standard V24/RS232 interface. Durable
aluminium case. In-built current loop interface. Digital filter for
minimum error. Unique cup design fits almost any phone.
3005-1 As above plus switch for originate and answer mode.
3005-2 As 3005-1 plus internal rechargeable battery
3005-3 As 3005-2 plus external switch controls V21 or Bell 103
3012 Originate only CCITT V23, 1200/75 or 1200 half duplex
Please send me_3005 at £103.50;_3005-1 at £109.25;
_3005-2 at £115.00;_3005-3 at £119.60_3012 at £115.00.
All prices are inclusive of £5 p&p and VAT.
NAME_
ADDRESS_!_
TEL:
I enclose my cheque for £_
Modular Technology Ltd., Zygal House,
Telford Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire. 0X6 0XB
Tel: Bicester (0869) 253361 Telex 837907
PCW/8/85
Important
News for
§SANYO
micro
The SMUA are pleased to invite all its
members to Stand 1003 at the
Personal Computer World Show, from
4-8 September.
Sanyo users who are not members are
also invited to see us at the stand.
owners
FREEPHONE SMUA
76 PCW AUGUST 1985
CAMEL PRODUCTS
new POL YPRIN T for Spectrum
The interface which likes to
say. . . Ja and Oui and Si and of
course YES! A spectrum Cen tro-
nics interface with multilingual
chars in EPROM. User FX80
printer. Printer driver also in
EPROM. User notes show how to
use EPROM for UTILS or down
_ loadable chars.
* POL YPRINT from Silicon Ci ty £44.95
I PRINT-SP for Spectrum
Low cost Centr. I/F with CABLE. S’ware on tape £31.25
EPROM PROGRAMMERS
I SR 2K4a28 B EPR0m fast ppn '*• ZlFskt ' Vpp * e “ rator ^S"
\ the QL- A powerful programmer with Fast and Smart pgm'e
I Ln?™ W r,r T ware For 2764/128 & A ’types, usable in ROM cartridge for
1 EPROM 1 Utlhtws etc - CHECK BEAD CRC, BLOW & VERIFY past or all
I R()M reader for Q L Takes 2764 or 27128 L f5 95
J ZrTi f 4 for Commodore C-64. Fast pgm’g, ZlFskt, Vpp generator s’war*
i Z for2764/128 EPROMS. Full functions ind. CRC L 3475
*>4 CART for2x64K EPROMs for the Commodore 64 £5 95
bloprom-sp
A uniquely
sophisticated
EPROM
PROGRAMMER
I S ' mer for the 2516 82
r pinriVA 128/128 A. CHECK. READ
1 EPROM & VERIFY a11 ° r part ° f
So immensely user friendly you ’ll hard¬
ly need the manual. Designed for the
beginner but includes a single key
e ?Py r °ute for the professional. Sup¬
plied as firmware, the m/c driver
routine alone is worth more than the
price of BLOPROM-SP. No Personal¬
ity Lards, or other additions, just a
Spectrum Several inbuilt safety fea-
tures Onboard Vpp generation. 28
pin Zlb socket. Cabled connector
extender plug. ABS case £89.95
«
5 NO or SYSTEM -HEX
EPNOM TYPE -27128
PAM STAG 7 ADOR _ 4900
EPROM ST ADOR 8990
JOB LENGTH - *090
TASK - CHECK
*»ICH TASK DO YOU WISH TOCO
W) CHECK Tha t EPROM IS Clean
X> RAM 0 ™ C C0NTlhTS 0f WO
'•') BLOW AN EPROM WITH DATA FROM
Z) £T M T Z AT(p * 0 " DATAiST "t 5 *Hf
0T 00U ,T _ Rjo RESTART-
EAST COPES AVAILABLE
o H PQR WXY2
Kempston QL Disc Interface: Provides a simple but _
powerful upgrade from Microdrives to Floppy Discs._
• Microdrive filing system operations are supported.
F I-1 1-1-1-1-i——t-1 1-1-1-1-1-r
_•_ QL Toolkit commands included in 8K operating system.
Microdrive extentions OPEN, OVERWRITE, RENAME,
-TRUNCATE. 1— \~ t~~M—M—|—M—I-
-File handling commands for direct access.—)—|—|-
_Wild name definition of files. WSTAT, WDIR, WDEL,..
_WDEL-F. „_L | |_U | J M il.
Job control commands for multitasking under QDOS.
Ingenious unit for Spectrum, with 2x28
to 16K of Basic or M/C
r AT LAST!
For the Spectrum user. Put y OU r
programs, utilities. Assemblers ints> 1
EPROMs for instant load from th«
unique ROM-SP. he <
ROMSP
for Spectrum
28 pin sockets and a Reset button allows up l
RUN or LOAD instantly from EPROMS 1
extender card. NOTE: Does not disable Sinclair J
£29.95 t
C program
Cabled connector and full exten
ROM
2764 s at £5.50, 27128s at £8.50 x VAT
1 PROMER-SP for Spectrum
! An economical Spectrum programmer for 2764/128. Zero insertion force
' socket & software on tape £29 95
j PROMER 81-S
' The very popular ZX81 programmer for 2761/32 EPROMs has been adapted
to the Spectrum and the price is kept low £24.95
' DHOBI 1 UV ERASER
Compact. Mains powered. Safe. Fully cased. Up to 3 EPROMS £18.95
1 DHOBI 2 With automatic timer
£22.95 I
Only with a Camel Programmer & while stocks last
- BELI g VEI -
* YOU BETTER
NEW 2764 or 27128
CRAMIC-SP
Ingenious s
area as Si
on a 48K h
? IT! *
£2.99 each
NEW for Spectrum J
16K non-volatile CMOS RAM to co-exist in the same T
fM. Easy storage and retrieval of BASIC. M/C or DA TA {
£89.96 1
NIKE POWER BUFFERS
NiCd battery back-up for Spectrum ZX81/ATMOS
£17.35 l
DREAMS 1 ZX81L
S4K Rampack with link options to disable 0-8-16K. Plus a 28 pin EPROM socket I
for 2716, 2732/2764 and 27128. £59.95£
MEMIC-81 for ZX81
4K CMOS RAM with lithium battery. Easy SAVEing. lOyr storage and {
instant retrieval of programs. £29.95 j
No VAT on exports i
Overseas + 10% .
UK VAT extra
P+P UK Free. Europe + 5%
TEL: (0223) 314814 TLX: 81574 CML
ONE MILTON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB4 1UY
Kempston QL Centronics Interface: New design plugs
directly into ROM port, offering several advantages
over the serial drivers provided. 1 I I I I
•~Larqe buffers for print spooling.
4-1 I ! I I i. | J—|-
ip Automatic form creation.
File holding. _
•I Driving software contained in an on-board ROM-__
i i i i i i i i i i i i ir
-M-Allows screen dump on nine different printer formats. -
T i i i i i i i i i i i i i i
-•■Comes complete with a metre of cable, centronics
-P-connector and a concise manual.—I—I—I—I—I—
,r// fge Microelectronics Ltd. One Milton Rd Cambridge CBJ1UY. Tel 102231314814
1.95 incVAT&PP
■I
Available directly from Kempston Micro Electronics Ltd. Singer Way. Kempston,
Bedford MK42 7AF. Tel. (0234) 856633 Please send me;
] Kempston QL Disc Interlace £115.00 Q Kempston QL Centronics Interface £39.95
Access/B Card | | 1 | | | | | | 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 1
I enclose a cheque/P O for £ .
Name/Address _
Signature
An pices include VA1 and PIP
Oveiseas add 14 00 PAP
JSUjj fJSaijU* £&}
♦
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‘*4“«4*»4«*-£i'J' 1 SdA>»-<J'%?6* 3 '^SlA'dSoU%J £t« JJ' ^
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t-«V\ . u-jfi*X-“ (-C>nn«TV\« ,
The complete computer store...
Word Processing ■ Communications ■ Data Management ■ Business systems
Consultancy Installation Training Support
Business and
Professional Systems
(0223) 65334/5
Engineering
Support Group
(0223)316045
Home and
Educational Computing
(0223) 358264
Communications,
Electronics, Supplies
(0223) 68155
ioppki ED3DQDD m
HEWLETT /A>\
PACKARD Xiiffjfj
Hindq EPSON •sanyo
Cambridge Computer Store
& 4 Emmanuel Street, Cambridge CBI INE
Rockfort
30
Disk Box
Holds 12 to 30-
3Yz" Disks according
to thickness
£7.85
Incl. VAT, Post
Packing
M.F. 10
Floppy
Disk Box
Holds 10-
5'A" Disks
£2.45
Incl. VAT, Post
&v Packing
REG.
Floppy
Disk Box
Holds 50-
5‘A" Disks
£9.50
Incl. VAT, Post
&. Packing
Rockfort Diskfile Range of products
not only offer an easy reference and attractive
disk filing system but also offer complete
protection from damaging dust particles.
Post for your order today!
Only the
Epson LX-80
also prints
like this.
The print on the left is certainly legible, which is quite good
enough for most purposes.
But it’s nothing to write home about. Or with.
That’s why Epson have brought out the new LX-80.
The LX-80 is a dot matrix printer that can print in correspondence
quality (like this) as well as in draft. Yet at only £255+VAT it’s
no more expensive than any of its less capable rivals.
This alone would make the LX-80 unique. But there’s more.
Changing fonts on the LX-80 doesn’t involve a complicated
rigmarole as it does on other machines. By simply pressing a
combination of buttons on the front, you can change from one font
to another to another to mno th.r. As easily as that.
The LX-80 will justify or centre type if you like. It will even
print your own symbols.
Alternatively, you can use the standard IK buffer to free your
computer for other tasks more quickly.
The LX-80 takes plain sheets as standard, though a variety of
paper feed options are also available.
It should go without saying that the LX-80 is as reliable as
Epson printers have always been. But there, we’ve said it anyway.
There’s still more to tell, of course. But fill in the coupon -
in whatever style you like - and we’ll fill you in completely.
EPSON
Please send me more information on the LX-80. pcw.8.lX'80
Name_Address_
Tel No
To: Epson (UK) Ltd., Dorland House, 388 High Road,
Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 6UH.
NEW, IMPROVED ACCOUNTS PACKAGES FROM SAGE
F t
n
*Available 4th qtr. ’85
Please send me more details of Sage Accounting Programs
and my nearest dealer
Name:_Position:_
Type of Computer:_ T _
Company:_
Address:_
Most accounting programs fall between two
stools - too complex for the fledgeling
business, too basic for the growing concern.
But not Sage.
Our new, improved family of compatible
computer programs will take your brainchild
through from first steps to full maturity.
You can cut your teeth on a system that’s
simple to learn and use, then upgrade easily
as you grow bigger and stronger.
It’s the most up-to-date accounting program
on the market - the result of extensive
research and improvement, embodying three
years of customer feedback.
We’ve made computer operation even
easier and incorporated colourful
graphic displays, yet each
program still uses only one disk!
It’s Sage ingenuity at its best.
At a price that won’t stunt
your growth!
SAGE BOOKKEEPER £295 + VAT
The computer program which keeps books for
small businesses and cash traders. Start here
and grow with SAGE.
SAGE ACCOUNTANT £495 + VAT
A full feature bookkeeping/accounting system
to put you in full control of your business.
SAGE ACCOUNTANT PLUS £695 + VAT
The next step up from the Accountant, for
the small to medium size business with an
above average invoice output.
SAGE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER* £995 + VAT
Top of the Sage range of computer accounting
programs. Bring the full power of a hard disk
computer to bear on your business.
SAGE PAYROLL £195 + VAT
A full-feature payroll/personnel system which
will completely automate the payroll function
for companies of all sizes.
Sagesoft pic., NEI House, Regent Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3DS
Tel: 091 284 7077. Telex: 53623 SAGESL G.
BETTER SAGE THAN SORRY I
_ _ PCW/8/851
Now - You can see the biggest and
best range of computer software
demonstrated - on video tape!
Every Laskys store is now showing a 40 minute video tape
featuring a selection of new home computer games from the
top publishing names. This will be your opportunity to be the very
first to hear about new titles which are about to be launched
The video show includes everything from arcade games,
action/adventure and simulation programs to graphics - and
other practical packages. The products will be bed together by
a voice-over to produce a spoken document of news and
features. There will also be up-dated reviews, and previews of
future releases.
Top names being featured are all distributed by
Thorn EMI Software and include:-
ANIROG, OCEAN, ACTIVISION,
AUDIOGENIC, US GOLD, FIRE¬
BIRD, HEWSON CONSULTANTS,
DATABASE, MARTECH AND
MELBOURNE HOUSE.
The first production will be in the stores from July 15 so look out
for it!
STOP PRESS!
LASKYS NOW STOCK BUSINESS
PROGRAMMES FOR THE TORCH
GRADUATE (IBM compatible).
Torch products are available at the following Laskys branches.
Central London (42 and 257 Tottenham Court Rd., Wl),
Aberdeen, Birmingham, Brent Cross. Brighton, Cardiff. Cheltenham,
Croydon, Ealing, Edinburgh, Enfield, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester,
Newcastle, Nottingham, Peterborough, Preston and Sheffield.
UP TO £1,000 INSTANT CREDIT. Ask one of our sales staff for full details.
Laskys Credit Brokers. Typical Budget Account A.P.R. From 31.3% variable.
All credit offers subject to acceptance by Laskys Credit Brokers Ask for written details Typical APR 31.3%
subject to status Prices correct at time of going to press All offers subject to availability
NOW IN STOCK - VERBATIM
DATALIFE DISKETTES
MD 525-01 (Ten Pack) MD 350-01 (Ten Pack)
MD 550-01 (Ten Pack) MD 360-01 (Ten Pack)
MD 525-01 (Twin Pack)
LASKYS SUMMER
SALE STARTS
JULY 20th
Big discounts off
ATARI ACORN COMMODORE SINCLAIR
CUMANA MICROVITEC BROTHER JVC
TORCH • APPLE - and many others
but hurry - Sale must end August 10th
Best price promise
If, after purchasing ANY ITEM at LASKYS you discover that you could
have bought the same product cheaper locally and call back within
7 days, we promise to pay the difference.
Best products
TOP BRANDS: All the leading brand names. BIGGEST RANGE: See the
latest models in Hi-Fi, Video, Computers, Microwaves and Accessories.
Best service
HEAR any combination of our Hi-Fi Separates.
SEE our range of TV’s and Video’s in action.
FREE 14 day exchange period.
FREE GUARANTEE up to 2 years with the option to extend up to 5
years for a small premium^
INSTANT CREDIT up to £1,000.+
PAYMENT OPTIONS: cash, cheque, major credit cards.
Plus expert after-sales service from our Servicepoint network
engineers.
‘2 year parts and labour Guarantee on Hi-Fi and TV. 1 year on VCR's, portables, video
cameras, computers and peripherals. tAsk one of our sales staff for full details Laskys
Credit Brokers, Typical Budget Account A PR. From 31.3% variable.
MORE ON OFFER-MORE TO OFFER
WORLDWIDE PRICE LIST
Worldwide Computers Ltd are authorised dealers for the leading computers and software at
prices that are guaranteed to be the best in the country. We supply everyone from leading UK
companies, government departments and local authorities to the small business and the
private individual.
olivekli sanyo VICTOR
APRICOT COMMODORE EPSON
Worldwide Computers Ltd., Spa House,11-17 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW19 4JS. Telex: 8955888 WOWICO.
Also at: Regent House, 2 North Road, Brighton, Sussex BN1 1YA.
•S? 01-947 8562 & (0273) 609331
[london only)
IBM
IBM/OLIVETTI ADD-ONS
IBM PC Model 64kb 1 x 360kb D/D .. £999.00
IBM Portable 256kb 1 x 360kb D/D .. £1049.00
IBM Portable 256kb 2 x 260kb D/D .. £1299.00
IBM PC-XT 256kb 2 x 360kb D/D ... £1549.00
IBM PC XT 256kb 1 x 360kb D/D + 10MB
H/Disk.£2499.00
IBM AT Base 256kb 1 x 1.2MB Disk Drive
+ K/board.£2899.00
IBM ATE 512kb 1 x 1.2MB D/Drive + 20MB
H/Disk + K/board.£4199.00
IBM Colour Display. £408.00
IBM Mono Display Green. £153.00
IBM EGA Colour Display. £608.00
IBM Mono Display/Printer Adapter.... £149.00
Keyboard IBM Portable. £120.00
Keyboard IBM UK. £120.00
OLIVETTI
Olivetti M24 128k 1 x 360k D/D.£875.00
Olivetti M24 128k 2 x 360k D/D.£1150.00
Olivetti M24 128k 1 x 360k D/D + 10MB
H/Disk.£2250.00
Olivetti Ml 0/24... £375.00
APRICOT
PC 256K RAM + 2 x 315K D/D.£1199.00
PC 256K RAM + 2 x 720K D/D.£1349.00
XilO 256K RAM 10MB Winchester... £2049.00
XilOs 512K RAM 10MB + Expansion.. £2475.00
Xi20 512K RAM 20MB.£2849.00
9" Monitor.£170.00
12" Monitor.£210.00
Olivetti M21 128k 1 x 360k D/D me. Key
+ VDU .£1175.00
Olivetti M21 128k 2 x 360k D/D me. Key
+ VDU .£1425.00
Olivetti M21 + 10MB iHD.£1999.00
Xi20s 1MB RAM 20MB + Expansion... £3250.00
Fie 256 RAM 1 x 315K D/D.£525.00
FI 256K RAM 1 x 720K D/D.£749.00
FP1 Portable.£819.00
FP2 Portable.£1149.00
Apricot compatible 12" Monitor.£170.00
Apricot colour Monitor. £349.00
VICTOR
Victor 9000 1.2 .£1650.00
Victor 9000 2.4 .£1899.00
Victor 9000 10.£2499.00
VPC15MB. £2250.00
EPSON
Epson PX8 computer. £649.00
Epson PX8 + 128K RAM. £799.00
PF10 Disk Drive. £299.00
CX 21 Accousitic Coupler. £130.00
QX16 systems trom. £2100.00
SANYO
Sanyo MBC 550 1 x 160K D/D. £599.00
Sanyo MBC 555 2 x 160K D/D. £699.00
Sanyo MBC 5502 1 x 360K D/D. £799.00
Sanyo MBC 5552 2 x 360K D/D.£1149.00
Sanyo MBC 775 Portable
265 RAM x 360K D/D. £1699.00
COMMODORE
Commodore C16 Starter Pack. £39.00
Commodore Plus 4. £49.00
Commodore SX64. £575.00
Commodore PC10. £1449.00
DOT MATRIX
Anadex DP 9000. £875.00
Brother M1009 (P). £155.00
Canon PW 1080A (NLQ) . £279.00
Canon PW1156A. £355.00
Canon PJ 1080A (Colour). £379.00
Epson RX 80. £190.00
Epson RX 80 F/T. £215.00
Epson RX 100 F/T. £325.00
Epson FX 80. £320.00
Epson FX 100 F/T. £425.00
Epson LQ 1500 . £895.00
Epson LX80. £199.00
Hewlett Packard Laser Jet. £3250.00
Mannesmann Tally MT80. £195.00
Mannesman Tally MT180. £549.00
OKI Microline 82A. £249.00
OKI Microline 83A. £389.00
OKI Microline 84P. £629 00
OK1192. £319.00
OKI Microline 2350P. £1449.00
Olivetti DM 5801 CB NLQ. £885.00
Panasonic KP1091. £255.00
Shinwa CP80 F/T. £189.00
Shinwa 40 (Colour). £119.00
Smith Corona DM 200 (NLQ). £375.00
Tec 1550. £459.00
Extra Memory 64kb (9 Chips). £39.00
Hercules Colour Graphics/Printer
Adapter. £181.00
Hercules Mono Graphics/Printer Adapter £325.00
IBM Asynch Comms Adapter. £71.00
IBM Bisynch Comms Adapter V2. £165.00
IBM Colour/Graphics Adapter. £160.00
IBM EGA Graphics Adapter. £433.00
IBM EGA Memory Expan Kit 128kb.... £210.00
IBM EGA Memory Expansion 64kb_ £160.00
IBM PC Dos V 2.1. £49.00
IBM Printer Adapter. £71.00
Olivetti Mono Displays. £169.00
Olivetti extended Keyboard (102 keys). £120.00
Olivetti IBM style Keyboard (83 keys).. £120.00
Olivetti Colour Display. £475.00
Keyboard 5050. £105.00
Keyboard 5151 (extended). £175.00
Memory Expansion Card with 64kb .. £140.00
Qubie Mono Display Amber or Green + Tilt
Swivel. £150.00
Qubie Colour Display + Tilt/Swivel .... £380.00
Sixpack Multifunction Card with 384kb £350.00
Sixpack Multifunction Card with 64kb . £205.00
Taxan Mono Display Amber or Green .. £131.00
Taxan Colour Display. £360.00
Techmar Master Graphics Adapter.... £530.00
10MB Vi Height Hard Disc. £675.00
20MB 'A Height Hard Disc. £899.00
8087 Maths Co-processor. £175.00
DAISY WHEELS
Brother HR15. £315.00
Brother HR25. £555.00
Brother HR35. £695.00
Daisy Step 2000 (20 CPS). £219.00
Diabio 630 (API). £1310.00
Epson DX 100. £315.00
Epson P-40. £85.00
Hitachi 672 plotter. £395.00
Juki 6100. £299.00
Juki 6300. £749.00
Quen-Data. £225.00
Qume 1V40 (RO). £1175.00
Qume letter Pro 20. £450.00
Ricoh RP 1300. £857.00
Ricoh RP 1600 8K. £1325.00
Tec 10-40. £845.00
ACCESSORIES
Keyboards, cables, interlaces, tractor feeds,
sheet feeds, disks, software, up-grades, listing paper,
ribbons, daisy wheels available for most products.
All prices excluding VAT and DELIVERY. JULY.
86 PCW AUGUST 1985
—three hard disc models
10
IUMB
+800K FLOPPY
21
L. I MB
+800K FLOPPY
42
800K FLOPPY
Now U-Micro completes the
U-MAN race with new 10, 21 and
42MB (formatted capacity) hard
disc models using Rodime drives to
add to the basic dual floppy model.
RAM from 128K to 1MB
(expandable to 15MB) and all the
built-in features you need - 68000
CPU (10MHz) with 6809 I/O
processor, clock, timers, A/D,
speech and sound synthesiser,
colour and mono display, graphics,
pro g rammable fonts , two serial
ports, Centronics port, general
purpose parallel port, superb
keyboard and four slot expansion
systems. Our 'open information'
policy guarantees that you'll always
be able to get the most out of of the
U-MAN Series 1000.
The hard disc software supports
both p-system and CP/M68K with
disc partitioning and fast floppy
back-up utilities. Remember CP/
M68K languages are not limited to
64K as are the CP/M86 and MS-
DOS languages. And look at the
prices - 1MB RAM and 42MB
hard disc system only £6449.00.
(128K RAM and 10MB disc
£3789).
Dealer, OEM and export
distributor enquiries welcomed.
Special deals for software
developers even on the GT
models.
U-Microcomputers Limited,
Winstanley Industrial Estate,
Long Lane, Warrington, Cheshire,
WA2 8PR, England.
Telephone 0925 54117
Telex 8293279 UMICRO G
Dual 800K floppy models
from £2499.00
Designed and made in UK.
—- !
SERIES 1000 Ch
32 bit supermicro-with hard disc
making it easy for programmers to make easy to use!
u-iracno ft
THE NEW AMSTRAD CPC 664 WITH BUILT-IN DISC DRIVE
• AVAILABLE AT BOOTS • COMET • CURRYS • DIXONS • GREENS - JOHN MENZIES • RUMBELOWS
THE LOW COST COMPUTER FOR HOME AND BUSINESS
WITH COLOUR MONITOR AROUND
£449
If you know anything
about computers you’ll
know that disc drives are
up to fifty times faster
than cassette when you're
loading and saving
programs. In fact, a
disc drive makes
computing faster,
more reliable, more
efficient and more
fun. But up till now the -
only way to gain these
advantages for a home
computer was to buy a
separate disc drive
attachment. Now Amstrad
are pleased to announce
the first complete home
computer with built-in
disc drive: The Amstrad
CPC 664.
And when you buy a
CPC 664 you'll find it's not
just the disc drive that’s
built-in.
You'll get every¬
thing you need, including a monitor
(green screen or full colour). We'll
even give you a free CPM and Logo
disc, so all you do is plug in and
you're in business.
BUSINESS OR
-PLEASURE-
Although a disc drive
will make games more fun
(and there are loads of
them to choose from) it
also makes the CPC 664 , .
a serious proposition for ^nX^erepr^^ monitor) to realise
of everyone from unskilled
typist to trained secretary.
Around £23.95.
famous-name software
houses. Few will cost
you more than £49 and
most will cost you con¬
siderably less.
AN EXPANDING
— SYSTEM-
WITH GREEN SCREEN AROUND
£339
THE HOME
COMPUTER
THAT MEANS
BUSINESS.
There is a com¬
plete range of
peripherals avail-
_ able to CPC 664 users
which plug directly into
the built-in interfaces.
These include a joy¬
stick, additional disc drive
(to double your on-line
storage) and the Amstrad
DMP-1 dot-matrix printer.
(There's also a cassette
interface so that you can
use CPC 464 programs
on tape). And there are
many more peripherals from
Amstrad and other manu¬
facturers which can be used
to enhance the CPC 664.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
-LOW COST-
The one thing you won’t need
a computer to work out is that the
Amstrad CPC 664
represents outstand¬
ing value for money.
You only have to
check the cost of
buying all the ele¬
ments separately (64K
computer, disc-drive,
the business user.
There are accounting,
word-
that the Amstrad
package is very
hard to beat.
Amsoft Business Control, is a
complete suite of programs
for integrated sales invoicing,
stock control and sales ledger
for around £99. (Requires an
additional FD-1 disc drive
around £159 and DL-2 cable
around £7).
business more efficient and effec¬
tive by providing access to the
famous range of CP/M* software.
processing,
spread-sheet
and data¬
base pro¬
grams (to
name but
a few).
The CPC
664 is also
supplied with
CP/M* to help
make your
With a green screen
monitor the cost is
just £339. With a
full colour screen it
costs £449. And after'
you've saved money on
the price of the computer
itself, you go on saving
on the price of software.
There are hundreds
of programs for business
or pleasure available
on disc (and cassette) to
CPC 664 users. Many from
Amsoft, others from other
-AMSTRAD USER CLUB-
Join the optional Amstrad
User Club
and we'll keep
you informed
with our
monthly user
magazine,
ana infor¬
mation on all
software as it
is introduced.
Your member¬
ship details
will be recorded on your
personal club card, which
entitles members to various
privileges and offers.
me more information
Figure analysis made easy
with Microspread. An easy to
use spreadsheet with pull¬
down menus and a wide range
of mathematical options.
Around £49.
Name
Address.
Amstrad CPC 664
Amstrad, P.O. Box 462, Brentwood, Essex CM 14 4EF.
_P CW/664/3 |
*CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research Inc.
SPECTRUM • W.H. SMITH • WIGFALLS • AND GOOD INDEPENDENT COMPUTER STORES •
PROFESSIONAL-CAD-FOR-PROFESSIONAL-RESULTS-
Introducing Bitstik 2, the first system to
bring sophisticated CAD techniques to the
desk of the BBC Model B user.
Bitstik 2 is the affordable solution to
your technical drafting problems. Designed
to take full advantage of your BBC's
powerful graphics facility, the system is easy
to learn and fast to operate.
Bitstik 2 incorporates a range of
impressive functions, clearly displayed on-
screen as Menus and Palettes. These are
wh?Hh ^ V ' a the B 'l :Stlk hand con troller
capabSSIr? ' mpresSM! «» of
uy
Robocom, the people behind the best¬
selling Robosystem family of CAD
packages for the Apple II _
(+ ore)micro.To run
Bitstik 2 you will need
a BBC Model B with 6502
Secondary Processor, Twin
Disk Drives and colour or monochrome
monitor. Quality hard copy can be
produced from a wide range of supported
plotters.
So whether you need to produce
complex architectural plans, detailed circuit
diagrams or simply teach CAD on a fully
implemented CAD set-up (with scope for
advanced project work) you ought to be
tuning into Bitstik 2 for your BBC...
► Auto Dimensioning
► Adjustable Curves
► Precision Grids & Angle Locks
► Powerful Zoom And Pan
► Scale Drawing & Text
► Graphic Library Index
These advanced features represent a
significant step forward from the existing
and very successful Bitstik Graphics System.
Yet Bitstik I users can obtain Bitstik 2 at a
Special Upgrade Price.
Wot\V& e
sroatt ^*r,vlooe pvjte V 00 vrv < eC V\0^
HOI
ma
i
SYSTEMS
Robocom. Clifton House, Clifton Terrace, London N4 3TB.
Telephone01-263 8585/2728417. Telex 297137 ROBO G
USER SHOW,BARBICAN,LONDON 25-28 JULY 1985 STAND NO. 133/140.
London’s Largest Range of
Printers on Demonstration
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
Brother HR5.£129.90 + VAT=
Brother M1009.£155.904- VAT=
Epson P40 Thermal AC/DC . £81.90 +VAT=
Epson RX80.£190.90 +VAT=
Epson RX80FT+.£215.90 +VAT=
Epson RX80/FX100/RX100. POA
Epson LX80 NLQ (New] .... £229.90 +VAT=
Epson LQ1500 NLQ.£895.90 + VAT=
Epson JX80 Colour.£449.90 + VAT=
Canon PW1080A NLQ.£289.90 + VAT=
Canon PW1156A NLQ.£365.90 +VAT=
Panasonic KP1091 NLQ. . . £255.90 + VAT=
Oki-Mate 20 Colour.£235.90 +VAT=
Shinwa CPA80.£199.90 +VAT=
Anadex, Data Prods., Paper Tiger, Newbury, Oki.
NEC. Tec.
Seikosha GP50S (Spectrum). £79.90 + VAT=
Seikosha GP500A.£113.90 + VAT=
Smith Corona Fastext80 . . . £149.90+ VAT=
Smith Corona TP1.£179.90 + VAT=
Smith Corona D100, D200 NLQ & D300 NLQ..
Star SG10 (IBM) NLQ.£225.90 +VAT=
Kaga Taxan KP810 NLQ .... £249.90 +VAT=
Kaga Taxan KP910 NLQ .... £379.90 +VAT=
Commodore MPS801.£139.90 +VAT=
£149.38
£179.29
£94.18
£219.54
£248.29
£264.39
£1030.28
£517.39
£333.39
£420.79
£294.29
£271.29
£229.88
.POA
£91.88
£130.98
£172.39
£206.89
.POA
£259 79
£287 39
£436.89
£160.89
CASH & CARRY COMPUTERS
53-59 High Street,
Croydon, Surrey CRO1QD.
DAISYWHEEL PRINTERS
Brother HR15 (P).C315.90 + VAT= £363.29
Brother HR25. POA
BrotherHR35 + sheetfeed. £829.90 +VAT= £954.39
Daisystep 2000.£219.90 + VAT= £252.89
Diablo 630.POA Silver Reed.POA
Juki 6100.£319.90+VAT= £367.89
NEC, Ricoh, Qume, Tec.POA
Epson DX100.£339.90 + VAT=
Commodore DPS1101.£309.90+ VAT=
MONITORS
Microvitec Colour
1431 DS STD RES RGB. . . . £169.90 + VAT=
1431 DZ STD RES Spectrum.£199.90 +VAT=
1451 DS MED RES RGB . . . £229.90 + VAT=
1451 DQ MED RES QL.£229.90 + VAT=
1451 APDS MED RES
RGB/Composite.£289.90 + VAT=
1441 DS High RES RGB. . . . £389.90 + VAT=
1456 LI MED RES IBM PC . . £395.90 + VAT=
1456 DA MED RES Apricot. £349.90 + VAT=
Philips and Ferguson
COMPUTERS
Apricot (monitor extra)
£390.89
£356.39
£195.39
£229.89
£264.39
£264.39
£333.39
£448.39
£455.29
£402.39
.POA
FIE 256K RAM 1 x315K Disk. £539.90 +VAT=
C620.89
Atari 520ST.
. . . . £499.90+VAT=
C574.89
DISKS Prices SSDD
DSDD
SS96TP1
DS96TP1
per box of ten
40TR
40TR
BOTR
80TR
BASF 5VT
£10.00
£17.00
£10.50
£21.00
3M 5V
£13.50
£19.50
£19.90
£23.90
VERBATIM 5V
£14.50
£10.40
£10.40
£24.50
DYSAN5V
£15.90
£23.50
£23.50
£20.50
TDK 5VT
£17.50
£16.90*
—
£32.00
SONY DS/DD 3V2"
£39.50
MAXELL 3"
£30.90
Mail Order + Ex
Hot Line Phone
K
art + TVade
686 6362
Delivery by Securicor (3 day) please add £5.00 + VAT per item.
Delivery by T.N.T. (overnight) please add £9.50 + VAT per item.
Send off the coupon or order by 'phone quoting your Access.
Barclaycard No. ’Phone 01-686 6362. Immediate
despatch on receipt of order or cheque clearance.
Or vou can Telex vour order on: 946240 Attn 19001335
CP/M Plus (vers 3)
For NASCOM and Gemini computers
Features:
CP/M 2.2 file compatibility
Banked memory system
Fast warm boot from banked memory
Faster disk access:—
Directory hashing, memory cashing, multi sector I/O
Better implementation of USER levels
Greatly extended and user friendly utility commands
20 transient utility commands
Includes MAC the DRI assembler
Multi command entry on single line
Multiple drive searching facility
Console redirection
Password file protection
Date and time file stamping
Larger disk and file handling
29 additional BDOS calls
Extended BDOS capability by easily attached RSXs
Winchester, floppy and virtual disk
Mixed drive/formats
Full source code of BIOS supplied
PLUS PLUS PLUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now Only £199
Excluding post and packing and VAT
For further information contact:
MAP 80 SYSTEMS LTD.
Unit 12 Stoneylands Road, Egham, Surrey
Tel: 0784 37674
Are you
Developing Systems
Consider our modular approach
Nasbus/80 Bus compatible
CPU card
Z80 CPU incorporating memory mapping
64k RAM on board (expandable)
Z80 S10 providing two RS232 channels
CTC providing programmable baud rates
P10 providing paraHel/centronics I/O
Parallel keyboard port
VIDEO card (VTC)
80 by 25 line output
Fast memory mapped display
On board floppy disk controller
Can be used with CPU card under CP/M
Available in kit or built and tested
DISK card (MPI)
Mixed 3", 3.5", 5.25", 8" drives supported
SASI Winchester interface
Z80 S10 providing two serial channels
CTC providing programmable baud rates
RAM card
64k to 256k (in 64k steps)
Supports 64/32k paging 4k mapping
Available in kit or built and tested
CLOCK card (RTC)
Attaches to any Z80 P10
Retains Centronics paraUel output
Battery backup
PRICES
CPU £230 MPI £185
VFC £199 RAM (64k) £150 ^
RTC £35 RAM (256k) £285
All prices exclude carriage and VAT
MAP 80 SYSTEMS LTD.
Unit 2 Stoneylands Road, Egham, Surrey
Tel: 0784 37674
AUGUST 1985 PCW 91
VALUE ■ VALUE ■ VALUE
ERICSSON
ALPHA MICRO
IBM PC BOARDS
THE IBM
COMPATIBLE
from £1,667 + VAT
The recently launched ERICSSON PC is now available
from Wolfcrown It is exceptionally IBM compatible
with extra features at a significantly lower price. On site
12 months warranty included with nationwide Ericsson
backup. Standard configuration mcludes 128Kb, serial
and parallel ports, six expansion slots, ergonomic
amber monitor and splendid graphics. According to PC
USER "At 90% of whatever the current price of the IBM
PC happens to be, its an index linked bargain."
ERICSSON PORTABLE
Stunning new portable weighing 16.71bs with full 25 by
80 gas plasma screen and full size keyboard. Options
include inbuilt printer, electronic disk and integral
modem.
Basic configuration from £2,580 + £387 VAT
PC SOFTWARE
Leading Edge WP
Leading Edge Nutshell DE
£150+ £22.50 VAT
£135+ £20.25 VAT
MULTI-USER 10Mb WINCHESTER
MULTI-TASKING VCR BACKUP
UP TO SIX USERS SOFTWARE INC.
The AM 1000, the smallest machine in the range is
based on the MC68000 and supports two users,
expandable up to six, and is available in various
configurations up to 40Mb and 1024Kb RAM memory.
We are offering a 10Mb system with two word
processing screens, operating system, BASIC language
Assembler, word processing, over 150 utilities, and
accounting software at the remarkable price of £7,250.
Extra users can be added at £650 per user
PC MULTI-USER BOARD
Why network when you can transform your PC into a
multi-user Alpha system supporting up to three
screens. Fit the sensational Alpha Micro 170 board into
your PC and it operates as a multi-user Alpha Micro PC
with access to MS-DOS. On board 128Kb memory,
clock/cal, MC68000 processor and full AMOSL
operating system and facilities.
£1,500+ VAT
PCHARDDISK ADD ONS _
Internal 10Mb Cogito disk with Adaptec controller to
run on existing PC power supply £ 1,250 + £187.50 VAT
External 10Mb hard disk subsystem in look-a-like case
with PS, controller cable and software
£1,295 + £194.25 VAT
Hercules graphics card £315+£47.25 VAT
SIGMA multifunction card £245+£36.75 VAT
64Kb to 384 Kb RAM, serial/parallel ports, games port,
clock/calendar etc.
Ericsson colour monitor £420 + £63 VAT
PRINTERS & MONITORS
SMITH-CORONA PRINTERS
Fastext 80.80 col/80cps dot matrix
D100 80 col/120cps dot matrix
D200 80 col/160cps, NLQ, dot matrix
D200 132 col/160cps, NLQ. dot matrix
JUKI 6100 18cps daisywheel
Facit and Ericsson printers
eg Facit 4511-02
Philips 12" Green monitor
oui price RRP
£170 £195
£220 £249
£375 £420
£535 £595
£340+£51.00 VAT
POA
£505 + £75.75 VAT
£79 + £11.85 VAT
APPLE COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS
Slim-lme disk drive
£125+£18.75 VAT
Z80 card
£39+ £5.85 VAT
80a column card
£45+ £6.75 VAT
Printer card and cable
£45+ £6.75 VAT
Disk controller card
£35+£5.25 VAT
TO ORDER
Please telephone order particulars to 01-629 3603 or
visit our West End offices on the 2nd Floor at 58 Jermyn
Street, London SW1Y6LX.
Dealer enquiries are welcome.
2nd FLOOR, 58 JERMYN STREET, LONDON SW1Y 6LX TELEPHONE 01-629 3603
WOLFCROWN
ALSO AT PRINCE GROUP. LOMBARD HOUSE GREW CHARLES SWEET BIRMINGHAM TELEPHONE 021-233 2286
EVERY CHALLENGE IN LIFE
IS MADE EASIER WITH A
HELPING HAND.
The new Ericsson Personal Computer comes |
with the best customer support services in the
country.
With Ericsson you getTeach-Yourself Soft¬
ware; instructions in plain English; a Dial-an-Expert
r—. . Service and regular
I he new Encsson customer training courses
Personal Computer atthe Ericsson PCTraining
Centre. The new E ricsson
PC is IBM compatible. It runs all
IBM popular software.
What's more, the Ericsson
PC is smaller, neater and quieter.
But the big difference is
Ericsson. Because Ericsson give a
helping hand to get you started.
ERICSSON
System Science
C Compilers
16-Bit
8-Bit
DeSmet C
£139.00
Aztec Cl [- Apple ][
£175.00
Lattice C
£425 00
Aztec C ll/BAS
£165 00
C86 & optimiser
£345.00
Aztec C ll/COM
£295 00
Microsoft Cver 3.0
£475.00
C/80 Software Tool
£50.00
Aztec C86/BAS
£195.00
C/80 Mathpak
£30 00
Aztec C86/C0M
£395.00
BDSC
£125.00
C80 requires LINK
£50.00
ECO-C for Z80 Code
£185.00
LISP Interpreters
LISP-80 S.Toolworks
£45 00
LISP-80 S.Toolworks
£45.00
MuLISP/MuSTAR
£275.00
MuLISP/MuSTAR
£190 00
MuMATH
£215.00
MuMATH
£235.00
IQ LISP
£195.00
micro-PROLOG
£ call
FORTH-83,Lab.
Microsystems
PC-F0RTH
£89 00
Z80-F0RTH
£89 00
8086-FORTH
£89.00
Floating point ext.
£89.00
Floating point-sw/8087
£89 00
ASSEMBLERS
Microsoft 8086 (MASM)
£139.00
Microsoft MACRO-80
£185.00
2500AD 8086
£89 00
2500AD Z80
£89 00
DR Assembler Plus
£185.00
DR Assembler Plus
£185.00
Cross-Assemblers
£ call
Cross-Assemblers
£ call
Editors
Final Word-IBM, MS-DOS
£275.00
Final Word-CP/M
£275.00
SEE IBM. Apr
£50.00
PMATE IBM Apr
£195 00
Vedit Plus-IBM. MS-DOS
£215 00
ED-editor IBM
£65 00
FirstTime C (syn check)
£275.00
FirsTime Pascal
£245.00
Tools — many C tools available
Dbase toCconv.
£995 00
Crosstalk comms-IBM.Apr.
£125.00
Uniform- disc conv.
£69.00
Pascal Compilers
£ call
Fortran Compilers
£ call
VENIX-86 full Unix for IBM PC-XT and PC-AT from
£850 00
HSC16 bit Co-Processors for Z80 CP/M systems
— choice of 8086 or 68000 — 6 MHz clock
— MS-DOS, CP M-86 and CP/M- — 256Kb to 1 25 Mb memory
68K — fit most Z80 systems
— use as RAM DISK under CP'M Prices from £625.00
— simple to install, simple to use _
Prices are exclusive of VAT and postage
6-7 West Smithfield, London EC1A 9JX
Tel: 01-248 0962
bottware
When choosing a compiler, support is crucially important. It is vital to ensure that you will receive technical
back-up for the package as quickly as possible. This may prove difficult, if not impossible, when the software was
designed in another country and you have no access to the authors. HiSoft Pascal is a British product, created and
manufactured by ourselves and fully supported by our technical team here in Dunstable. We offer inexpensive
upgrades and we are continually extending and improving the compiler.
HiSoft Pascal is available in a wide variety of Z80 CP/M disc formats, is very close to Standard Pascal and comes
supplied with a comprehensive and sophisticated full screen editor (ED80) which is specially designed for
program development; the editor may be easily configured to suit all displays and also for special keyboards and
individual keystroke sequences.
All this for a fully inclusive price of £39.95! High Quality Software at a Fair Price.
HiSoft was founded over four years ago and since then has built up a reputation for the quality of
its products and the strength of its support. Our utility and language software is available for most
of the home computers currently on the market and we are always developing new products: our
latest is Devpac 80, a powerful assembly language development package for all Z80 CP/M
computers. Devpac 80 is a macro assembler (GEN80), a configurable full screen editor (ED80) and
a super front panel debugger (MON80) all in one integrated package.
Devpac 80 makes Z80 assembly language development a joy to do and is incredible value at only
£39.95 inclusive!
Please feel free to write to us or telephone for immediate despatch of full technical details of all
our products - there is so much more than we can say in this small space. Our next product for
CP/M-80? Wait and C!
180 High St. North
Dunstable, Beds
LU61AT
Tel. (0582) 696421
AUGUST 1985 PC W 93
SOUTHEND'S
PRINTER
Specialist
SEIKOSHA GP500A £149.00
BROTHER HR5 (also for CBM64) £149.00
SMITH CORONA FASTEXT 80 £169.00
BROTHER M1009 £199.00
SHINWA CP80 £199.00
SHINWA CPA80 £209.00
MANNESMAN TALLY MT80 PLUS £219.00
MP165 WITH LQ £299.00
SAKATA 1200 PLUS WITH LQ £310.00
DAISY JUNIOR (DAISYWHEEL) £249.00
PLOTTERS IN STOCK FROM £ 89.00
OTHER PRINTERS AVAILABLE
RIBBONS FOR MOST POPULAR PRINTERS
ACCESS/VISA TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME
PLEASE ADD £10.00 FOR COURIER DELIVERY
Minnie Micro
12 EASTERN ESPLANADE - SOUTHEND
(0702) 615809
Cerac Computer Supplies Limited
4KI Authorised Distributor
Wlvl Data Recording Products
| 5W DISKETTES
BOXES
CODE
1-9
10-49
50+
DOUBLE DENS/S.S
DOUBLE DENS/D.S
QUAD DENS/S.S
QUAD DENS/D.S
744
745
746
747
£14.40
£19.60
£22.00
£25.50
£13.40
£18.20
£20.50
£23.80
£12.40
£16.90
£19.00
£22.00
1 5V4 &TDKSPECIAI
LIST D
ISTRIBUTOR 1
DOUBLE DENS/S.S
DOUBLE DENS/D.S
QUAD DENS/S.S
QUAD DENS/S.S
‘HIGH DENS
* For Olivetti M30 and 1
M1D-S
M2D-S
M1DX-S
M2DX-S
IBM PCAT
£14.50
£20.60
£21.20
£25.10
£51.00
£13.50
£19.20
£19.70
£23.40
£47.50
£12.50
£17.80
£18.30
£21.60
£44.00
| 3V2 " DBLE.DENS/S.S MF1DD
£36.30
£33.80
£31.30
5V4 NASHUA COPYCAT
LIBRARY
rAQFQR’4. "
DOUBLE DENS/S.S
DOUBLE DENS/D.S
MD1DC/B
MD2D C/B
£13.40
£15.90
£12.50
£14.80
C
c
Capacity 10
£1.69 +
3Va " RHONE POI
JLENC
75p p&p
Opacify 50
DOUBLE DENS/S.S
DOUBLE DENS/D.S
£42.10
£54.50
£39.20
£50.80
£14.99 +
£1.75 p&p
| POST and PACKING PER 10 DISKS
75p
FOC | FOC
01-773 0641
ACCESS/BARCLAYCARD welcome!
Allow 7 days ANSWERING SERVICE AFTER 5.30PM
for delivery 44 Wallington Square, Wallington, Surrey
ADD
15% VAT
TO ALL
ORDERS
please!
IBM PC. upgraded with 20 MB
HARD DISK. 512 K RAM. CLOCK
CALENDAR. SERIAL PARALLEL.
MONO DISPLAY KEYBOARD
OPTION AS ABOVE COLOUR
25 MB EXTERNAL BACK-UP
NorthStar ^
DIMENSION
£2950
£3250
£ 895
The IBM compatible
Multi-user
system tup to 12 users)
15Mb hard disk and 2 user stations
complete with VDU running IBM graphics
Each subsequent work station £6,300
(8088 CPU 128K RAM) £1,450
apricot [ FULL RANGE
FI, XI -10. XI -10 S, XI -20
POINT 7 POINT 32
PRICES CALL
SANYO [
550: 2 x 160 K DRIVES + MONITOR £795
550: 2 x 800 K DRIVES + MONITOR £1095
FERRANTI: IBM COMPATIBLE
2 x 360 K DRIVES
256 K RAM. MONO MONITOR
£1249
MONITORS
£1 1 25 KAGA 12" HI-RES RGB IBM
£2085 IBM-PC E399
ROLAND DG 14" COLOUR £375
£820 KAGA 12" MONO IBM £129
£400
PLOTTERS
HP 7470A 2 PEN
HP 7475 6 PEN
ROLAND DXY 880 8 PEN,
HP COMPAT
EPSON HI-80 4 PEN A4
HARD DISKS & STREAMERS MODEMS
IBM,APRICOT,OLIVETTI,SANYO BUZZBOX
External:- MINOR MIRACLE
10 MB £1295 I 30 MB £2145 THORN VX 433
20 MB £1545 | 40 MB £2395 AUTO DIAL/ANSWER
Streamer 25 MB £895 .
20 MB + 20 Streamer £2950 I
Internal:-
£ 69
£130
£180
LAP PORTABLE
10/20 MB
10 MB Streamer
£995/£1295
£850
NEC 8201 16 K
EPSON RX-8
£299
£795
PRINTERS: PHONE FOR PRICES
CANON PW 1080
160 CPS
JUKI 6100
18 CPS
CANON PW 1056
160 CPS
JUKI 6300
40 CPS
EPSON FX 80/100
160 CPS
TEC - 1500
25 CPS
EPSON RX 80/100
100 CPS
TEC-F10
40 CPS
EPSON LQ 1500
24 PN
NEC - 2050
20 CPS
BROTHER 1024
24 PN
OUME11-40/85
40/55 CPS
TOSHIBA 2100
24 PN
DIABLO 630
40 CPS
FUJITSU OLP 24
24 PN
FLOWRITER 1600
60 CPS
SOFTWARE:- WIDE RANGE OF
CPM, PC DOS, MS DOS
CALL FOR PRICES
43 Grafton Way, London W1P 5LA (Opposite Maples)
Opening Hours: 10-7 Mon-Fri. 10.30*4 Sat.
01-367 4455 (4 lines) Telephone Answering Service After Office Hours
Telex: 8953742
94 PCW AUGUST 1985
We have more
of what it takes.
So what’s Tandy got the others haven’t?
Quite simply we’ve got more. A range of
computers that's second to none.
If you’re in business then our Tandy
4/4P, 1000, 2000 and 6000 range of
computers can handle your company’s
needs.
And for those who need a portable
computer we offer you the Tandy 100
and the new Tandy 200 to give you true
computing power wherever you go.
Not only nave we got more-
you get more from us. More for
your money-not bills for add
on "extras" that a computer should have
in the first place.
We’ve got it all-nationwide.
If figures impress you then Tandy’s
300 stores and dealers nationwide,
including 50 stores with computer
departments, will be of interest. All
geared to provide you with the total
support you would expect from the
third largest micro-computer manufac¬
turer in the world.
Test out Tandy. We’ve got more
of what it takes-have you?
■■■■MM
TANDY®
COMPUTERS
The range that’s dearly superior
Available from selected Tandy Stores, Dealers and AT Computerworld. Dealer enquiries welcome.
Thndy Corporation (Branch UK), Bridge Street Walsall. West Midlands WS1 1LA. Telephone: 0922 648181.
Top row KX1203, K12SV3, KX1201. Bottom row K12R3. K12R2. Optional tilt and swivel stand shown with certain models.
Aim straight for aTaxan
W!
hen you’re aiming for the best monitor around, set
your sights on a Taxan.
Because Taxan are quite simply the biggest selling
range of monochrome and colour monitors in Britain
today.
And that’s hardly surprising since every' Taxan Monitor
is designed and engineered for superb style and
maximum performance.
Take a look at the KX1201 and KX1202 for example.
High quality, high resolution 12 inch monitors offering
a choice of Green or Amber display with a long
persistence option on the Green phosphor model.
With the latest non-glare flat tube for easier viewing
and more than 20MHz video bandwidth, you can't do
better than a Taxan monochrome monitor.
Taxan also produce a range of 12 inch RGB colour
monitors that give you unbeatable price performance.
Like the medium resolution K12R2 (Vision II) and the
high resolution K12R3 (Vision III).
Compact professional monitors, suitable for all
popular micros. Built-in switchable RGB interface for
added versatility and both suitable for 80-column text
display.
Finally, the K12SV3 (Supervision III). A 12 inch, RGB,
super-high resolution, colour monitor with three
different monochrome modes. Fully compatible with IBM
PC, Apple, BBC and most other personal computers it is
simply the most versatile monitor on the market today.
Taxan Monitors retail at around:
KX1201G £109 (plus VAT)
KX1202G (P39 Phosphor) £119 (plus VAT)
KX1203A £119 (plus VAT)
K12R2 £285 (plus VAT)
K12R3 £399 (plus VAT)
K12SV3 £429 (plus VAT)
Ring us on Ascot (0990) 28921 for the name of your
nearest dealer. And find out why you should aim straight
for the best-selling range of monitors around.
5 King's Ride Park,
Ascot, Berks. SL5 8BP
Tel: 099028921
Telex:846303 DDLTDG.
THE NEW FORCE IN DISTRIBUTION
Lotus Jazz.
Now the Mac f s reall y
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jazz is a stunning new 5-in-1
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for the Macintosh.
Just imagine. All the power of
Lotus software, with the accessibility
of the Mac.
Adding up to one thing.
Unbeatable computing power for
every business.
Call First Software today for
your nearest Lotus Jazz dealer
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DISTRIBUTOR OF THE WORLD'S LEADING SOFTWARE
First Software. Intec-1. Wade Road.
Basingstoke, Hants. RG240NL
Tel: 0256 463344. Telex: 859030 FIRSTG
Lotus. Jazz are trademarks of Lotus Development 1 rj-nation
Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Comi min In.
“No Call Apple
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this invaluable magazine, direct and only from Boot
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All about Applewriter lie has just arrived from the US, a
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HI-RES GRAPHICS ON-SCREEN
DIRECT from ffl0A5E(ll&lll) programs
T he data base Graphics Extension (dGE) adds
28 new functions to dBASE, allowing you for
the first time to generate hi-res graphs and charts
on-screen directly from dBASE programs.
PRICE: dGE-2 for dBASE II £90 + VAT
dGE-3 for dBASE III £120+ VAT
Versions: SIRIUS/VICTOR, APRICOT. IBM + Col/Graphicsor Hercules
bits per
second
r * z U M
s..
**1V; •
Bits Per Second Ltd.
9 Sudeley Terrace, Brighton BN2 I HD
Telephone. (0273) 699720
High Quality
Microcomputer
Software
Product Price Table
Machine
Product
Spectrum
Amstrad
MSX
CP/M
Ql
Pascal
25.00
29.95
29.95
39.95
Devpac:
14.00
21.95
19.95
39.95
19.95
(
25.00
34.95
*
(MON QL)
l Itrakit
9.45
Font 84
7.95
(Font designer/screen dump)
The Knife
12.95
(CP/M disc editor)
The Torch
12.95
(CP/M disc Tutorial)
All prices in £ sterling. *Coming soon!
I lore's what other people say about I tiSoll Software*:
Our Customers:
C “more addictive than any arcade game”
R. Walker
Devpac80 “a brilliant piece of software” A. Brown
Ultrakit “a great acquisition” /. Le Page
The Press:
Pascal “if you wish to teach yourself Pascal ...
you won’t go far wrong to buy HiSoft’s
Pascal” PCF1/84
Devpac “it is impossible to recommend any other
development package for the Spectrum”
ECM 4/84
C “the most welcome addition to the Spec¬
trum catalogue since Sinclair introduced
the Microdrives” Sine. User 12/84
Font64 “the manual is clear . .. very simple to
use” PCX 7/85
rhese are only a few of the glowing comments that we
have on file showing that user and critic alike find
HiSoft software offers a refreshing change of style.
We produce and market a wide range of high quality, professional and well-documented
software packages for the popular home micros. Our type of software is becoming increas¬
ingly more popular as people get tired of zapping aliens and want to put their brains to work:
learning new computer languages (Pascal, C, Devpac). investigating their computer’s power
(The Knife. The Torch) or being artistic (Font64), we have it all. Please feel free to write to us
or phone for full technical details of any of our products. The above prices are fully
inclusive and you can order directly from us or through your local computer shop.
Programmer s: we are currently seeking to engage an experiem eti programmer to join our
team in Dunstable. Please contact Sue on (0582)I lor further details.
IMP?
.180 High Street North.
Dunstable. Beds. LU6 lAT
Telephone (0582) 696421
98 PCW AUGUST 1985
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
PCW SHOW FOCUS
_ The 8th-
.Personal
Computer
Show
The 1985 PCW Show at Olympia, London, is the industry's
annual showcase. Here's the second look at what's
on show for personal computer users in business, industry
and education, and for the home computer enthusiast.
The winning
combination
The combination of changing
technology and increased
competition is making more
computer power available to
more users than ever before,
and the PCW Show is the place
to find out just what that
means: wider choice, improved
performance and better value.
There's something for
everyone at Olympia in
September: for business and
professional users, for
teachers, for families — and of
course for every personal
computer enthusiast.
Alongside the big names, you
can also find many smaller,
specialist firms and an
unrivalled range of features
designed to inform, to educate
and to entertain.
For the first time since
moving to its new Olympia
home, the show occupies two
halls. Olympia 2, scene of last
year's event, will this year
cater for business and
professional users only. That's
where to find the ATs and XTs,
Apples and Apricots, plus the
special PCW Show help and
advice services for business
users, particularly first-time
users.
Next door in the National hall
is where the "battle of the
giants" takes place, with Atari,
Commodore and Amstrad lined
up right inside the front door —
all offering powerful machines
for the enthusiast and small-
business user. This hall is also
the setting for Britain's biggest
selection of games software,
and features such as the
"living room of the future"
sponsored by a big name in
MSX computing, Toshiba.
For business and
professional visitors,
complimentary tickets are
available. These include the
facility for advance
registration, by-passing the
cash desks and registration
counters at the entrance to the
show.
Admission for all other
visitors is £2.00 (with a
discount for groups). These
can be bought in advance
using the coupon inside this
PCW Show Focus feature.
Tour the new
technologies
An easy-to-understand
presentation dealing with the
impact of new computing and
communications technologies
in the corporate environment
will be one of the highlights of
Olympia 2, the business and
professional hall.
Covering such developments
as networks, mini and
mainframe links, electronic
mail and corporate information
systems, the area will include
displays, videos and small-
group seminars. It is intended
for professionals in
partnerships and firms,
managers and their staff in
company departments — in
fact anyone who works as part
of a group.
This Corporate Computing
Centre will be organised to
give visitors a "conducted
tour" of the new technologies
and their impact, catering for
different levels of
understanding.
CAD system at
low cost
KGB Micros, which attracted a
lot of attention at last year's
PCW Show with the Torus Icon
network software, expects a
similar impact this year with
Autocad, the micro-based
design system.
Originally developed as a
low-cost CAD system for
engineers, Autocad is now
finding friends in an
increasingly wide range of
businesses, says KGB's Sandy
Saunderson. Recent
customers have included
interior designers,
airconditioning installers,
electronics firms using the
system to produce pcb
schematics and even
stockbrokers using it to draw
flowcharts.
Success with Autocad, he
says, is attributable to two
factors: the capability of the
product itself, which has
become almost an
international standard for
micro-based drawing systems,
and KGB's own investment in
specialist staff, who will be on
hand at the show to
demonstrate the system and
Atari chief Jack Tramiei will personally spearhead the
launch of the much-heralded 520ST on the opening day of
the Show. The outspoken Tramiei says the "power
without the price" of the new machine will mean another
revolution in computing. For anyone unfamiliar with his
style , this is how he introduced the 520ST in the US:
"We're in the business of People's Technology. And as
Henry Ford said , for every dime you remove from the cost,
a whole new stratum of buyers is revealed. I believe it, and
that's how this business is going to be from now on."
Atari has been working with many leading software
houses for several months, and expects to have about 100
software packages demonstrated on its stand in Olympia's
National hall — the majority being for business and
education users. The mouse-drivep GEM graphics
environment comes as standard on the 520ST, making the
operating system "easier to use than explain" and Atari
says that a full range of software and peripherals will be
available when the machine goes on sale.
The 520ST debut marks a new round in the fight for the
small business machines market, with Amstrad and
Commodore among the other contenders at the Show. All
three will be found on the ground floor of the National hall.
AUGUST 1985 PCW 99
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
PCW SHOW FOCUS
answer visitors' queries.
The latest version of the
system has a 3D capability,
and also on demonstration at
the show will be CADCamera,
which can scan drawings in
minutes to store the
information on the computer
for incorporation in future
designs. This appeals to users
such as building services
engineers who have to plan
new installations within
existing buildings, for which
drawings are already on file.
Helping hands
for buyers
This year for the first time, the
PCW Show provides some
special features designed to
help buyers in choosing the
hardware, software and
systems for their particular
business. It's often difficult to
discover what software is
available for specific
applications, so at PCW Show
we are providing two key
sources of advice and
information.
The most extensive of these
is the consultancy area, which
brings together a number of
specialist consultants and the
Applications Software
Advisory Service, sponsored
by Micro Decision magazine.
This is a database system
which lists every available
piece of business software for
personal computers,
identifying the application,
supplier, operating system and
other details — whether or not
it is being demonstrated at the
show.
On the ground level there is
the NCC Microsystems Centre
stand on which will be running
the NCC Directories on Disc,
providing up-to-date
information on more than
5 000 business software
packages.
Next door in the PCW Show
lecture theatre, a team from
the Microsystems Centre will
be running daily seminars on
how to choose your system.
These sessions cover the main
issues involved, starting with
the question why use a micro
at all? The NCC view is that
one business in four needs a
computer 'like a hole in the
head" while for the other three
the key to a successful,
effective system, is one part
discipline, one part training and
operation, and one part dealer
support.
The seminars will be given at
10.30 and 2.30 on Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday,
September 4, 5 and 6, and at
2.30 only on Saturday
September 7. The fee at the
door will be £25 4- VAT, but for
those booking in advance there
will be a 50% discount,
making the fee £12.50 plus
VAT.
New Philips
range debut
In a renewed assault on the UK
market, Philips, the European
electronics giant, is launching
its latest range of machines at
the PCW Show, with first
deliveries to end-users
following a few days later. First
shipments have been placed
with leading software houses
since the end of June to ensure
early implementation of a wide
range of business packages,
and Kingsway Data Services,
the UK distributor, says the
launch has been planned to
ensure adequate stocks from
the start.
There are three machines in
the range, all priced and
packaged very competitively.
The entry-level machine,
selling for about £1000 has
128k memory and one 720k
3Vz in. disk drive — a
configuration which will
appeal to first-time business
users and the education world.
Next up the scale comes the
£1500 twin-disk machine, and
at the top of the range comes a
10Mb hard-disk model. The
main operating system is DOS
Plus, which resides in ROM so
that the main memory, which
is expandable to 640k, is
almost entirely available to the
user.
In addition to DOS Plus, MS-
DOS and Concurrent DOS are
also available, and GEM will be
available shortly. Language
versions offered are GW Basic
and DR Logo. The twin-disk
machine comes complete with
Open Access. This is an
integrated business system
which includes a powerful
database, graphics, WYSIWYG
wordprocessing, and a
spreadsheet which features
'goal-seeking' — you provide
the desired solution and the
computer calculates the
starting figures.
The machine has a
comparatively small footprint,
(42 x 36cm for the main
system box, into which the
keyboard clips when not in
use) and weighs in at 5.5kg,
putting it comfortably in the
luggable class. A further aid to
using the machine out of the
office is the ability to
substitute a domestic colour
TV for the monitor, using a
simple adaptor.
Kingsway has been closely
involved in the development
programme over the past two
and a half years. Peter Crawley,
the firm's technical chief, has
recently returned from Philips
in Vienna, where he was
involved in implementation of
operating systems, and the
company offers a 24-hour
delivery service from its base
in Chertsey, Surrey, to the UK
dealer network.
Stella Tempest, a Kingsway
director, says that the
September launch is being
carefully planned to ensure
that there will be no shortage
of products in the weeks and
months following the Show —
and that means applications
software as well as the Philips
hardware. A number of
systems for vertical markets
are being developed in
conjunction with software
houses, and among those
which are expected to be
demonstrated at the Show are
systems for newsagents,
hotels, the building industry
and golf clubs.
fjPjTiJ
Mg* A
:* 1
...
BOOK NOW FOR NCC SEMINARS
Please reserve_places at the following seminar
session(s) at a reduced cost of £14.38 per session.
Indicate your first and second choice by marking
1 and 2 in the appropriate boxes:
□ I-1
2.30 1_J
Thursday 5 September 10,30 Q 2-30Q
To: PCW Business Seminars
NCC Microsystems Centre
New Fetter Lane
London EC4
Friday 6 September
Saturday 7 September
10.30
□
Name_
Company
Address.
Postcode.
_Tel. No._
Nature of business.
2.3oQ
2.30Q
Please enclose a cheque for the full amount, made payable to: NCC Microsystems Centre.
100 PCW AUGUST 1985
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
PCW SHOW FOCUS
Record entries for efficiency
and innovation Awards
• v
More than 40 firms have already entered the 1985 Standard
Micro Business Awards. Sponsored by The London Standard
newspaper: the awards are given for innovations in hardware
and software which offer "outstanding contributions to
business efficiency and profit".
Anthony Hilton, City Editor of The London Standard and
chairman of the judging panel, said: "At a time of so much
uncertainty in the computer market, the importance of thorough
marketing and product development is greater than ever before.
The Awards are intended to give recognition to worthwhile
efforts in these directions".
The entrants include both major names in the industry and
several smaller, specialist software houses. They are being
judged by a pane! drawn both from the computer industry and
the world of business and finance. In addition to Anthony Hilton,
other members include Eric Bagshaw of the NCC Microsystems
Centre, David Tebbutt, software author and consultant, Graham
Cunningham, editor of PCW, together with Michael Jones,
finance director of The Standard's publishing company.
Presentation of the Awards takes place at Olympia on 4
September, the opening day of the Show.
Among those companies taking part are: Amstrad, Apple,
ABS OIdacres, Aston Technology, Enterprise, Kempston, KGB,
MicroPro, Olivetti, Philips, Sanyo and Systime.
Award for
school projects
London Plus, BBC Television's
London and South East news
programme, is sponsoring a
new award for schools which
will be presented at the PCW
Show. The awards will go to
the school team or individual
using a micro to the best
advantage in the study of
another specific subject — not
computers.
The variety of schools
computing projects grows
daily, ranging from a fish farm
controlled by a micro to a Logo
turtle used to draw dress
patterns for needlework
students, and it is applications
such as these which are now
being sought by London Plus.
The 1985 projects, which
will be submitted for The
London Plus Schools Micro
Awards will be judged by a
team of specialists who will be
looking for the imaginative use
of the new technology to
obtain practical and interesting
results.
First prize is ClOOO-worth of
equipment, hardware or
software, followed by £750
and £ 500-worth for the
second and third placings, all
to be selected at the Show.
Also of interest to teachers
is a help and advice area, the
PCW Show Computers in
Education feature. Located in
the main National hall, this will
be manned by teachers or
former teachers with first-hand
experience of using computers
in primary and secondary
schools, and in higher
education. They will be able to
answer questions, help in
solving problems, and
demonstrate some of the
projects undertaken with their
pupils and students.
The stand is sponsored by
Computers in Education
Journal, the specialist
publication, which operates a
comprehensive database
listing thousands of
educational hardware and
software products, all listed
and cross-indexed by age,
subject and other parameters
including operating system.
The system will be operating
on the stand so that teachers
and others involved in the
education world, such as
advisers, trainers and local
authority support staff, will be
able to identify the products
which meet their needs.
Complimentary tickets for
individual teachers are
available in advance from the
show organisers and these are
valid for any day of the show.
Admission at the door is
£2.00; groups of 10 or more
(including school parties) can
obtain a discount of 50p per
head by booking in advance
but this is only available for
Friday-Sunday, 6-8 September.
Walk right in
Complimentary tickets with
advance registration are now
available for business,
professional and trade visitors
to PCW Show.
Apply now, and you can
receive a VIP visitor pass, so
that you can walk straight in at
the entrance to Olympia,
avoiding the cash desks and
eliminating delays.
Both complimentary tickets
and visitor passes are valid
■■I every day of the show — but
I business and trade buyers may
■ prefer to attend on Wednesday
1 4 and Thursday 5 September,
I when the general public will
I not be admitted.
B Designation of these two
I Trade & Business Days is a
response to the demand both
I from visitors and exhibitors,
s who value the extra space and
I time.
■ To obtain your
I complimentary ticket and
I registration for V IP visitor
■ pass, write on business
I letterhead to: PCW Show
I Advance Registration, 11
I Manchester Square, London
W1M 5AB.
i Moving into
i business
I Cumana, which made its name
I supplying add-ons for
I educational and home-user
machines, is now moving into
I the business market with a
number of new products.
I* These include an upgrade
board for the BBC which will
offer 512k RAM, a full
implementation of the OS9
j"BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR THE No.1 SHOW
* To obtain tickets (£2.00 each) in advance complete this form and
I return to PCW Show 85 Ticket Office, 11 Manchester Square,
. London W1M5AB
■ I enclose cheque/postal order
I Please debit my Access/Barclaycard card number
. i_I_i_i_i i_i_ I _i_ I i_i_i_i_I i_i_ I _i_i
for the amount of £_
(Cheques made payable to Montbuild Ltd.)
Business and Trade Days 4-5 September 1985
Only bona fide business, professional, education and trade
visitors over the age of 18 will be admitted on Wednesday and
Thursday 4 and 5 September.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
PCW SHOW FOCUS
operating system, plus multi¬
user and multi-tasking
operation. A powerful graphics
kernel is also included, and the
package also comes complete
with a spreadsheet and word
processing.
Clive Martin, the company's
marketing manager, says the
new board gives Cumana "the
ability to bring high-quality
performance to the High Street
at a price well below the usual
cost of business machines." In
addition to the 512k memory,
the board also offers a 68008
processor, controller for up to
four floppy disk drives and a
SASI interface for one or two
hard-disk systems.
The state of
the industry
Leading figures from the world
of personal computing will
discuss the state of the
industry at a special Keynote
Conference on the opening day
of the PCW Show.
Those taking part include
Paul Bailey, vice-president of
Digital Research, Nick Bessey,
head of Commodore UK, and
either Roger Foster or Brian
Androlia of ACT. In the chair
will be David Tebbutt, industry
Anyone who fancies his chances against 23-stone
strongman Geoff Capes in the Highland Games need look
no further than Software Communications' stand on the
gallery of the National hall.
Geoff Capes Strongman Challenge is the latest game to
be introduced by the South Coast software house and the
Olympic athlete himself will be launching it on the opening
day of the show — shortly before leaving to compete in the
Highland Games at Braemar.
Also making its debut at the show will be an educational
program about Halley's Comet. This is linked with a new
Channel 4 series called The Planets which will be
presented by Heather Couper, President of the British
Astronomy Association. She is acting as a consultant to
Software Communications for the development of the
Halley s Comet program and it is hoped she will also be
able to put in an appearance at the Show.
consultant and former editor of
PCW.
The event is organised by
MicroScope, the weekly
newspaper of the industry,
which is also arranging three
half-day trade conferences.
Under the chairmanship of
Russ Nathan, managing
director of Romtec, these will
cover the selling of business
hardware and software, selling
to home computer enthusiasts,
and selling peripherals.
On the air
PCW Show will be on the air
this year, with a special edition
of Thames TV's Database
programme. The Database
crew will film at Olympia on
the opening day, and the
programme, which attracts an
audience of more than one
million viewers, will be
transmitted the following day,
Thursday 5 September, in the
London area. The following
week it will be repeated
nationally on Channel 4.
Producer Michael Feldman
says he cannot yet say what
the programme will cover, but
it is expected to concentrate
on innovations such as GEM.
Special for
Business
Business and professional
visitors will all receive a free
copy of the latest PCW Special
— Profit through Business
Computing — price £2.25,
which will be published at the
Show. This latest publication
builds on the success of the
Business Computing Survival
Guide which was published
earlier this year, and will be
valuable both to experienced
users and those buying their
first system.
In-depth coverage includes
first-hand accounts of several
very different users'
experiences in using business
micro systems, including a
small financial institution, a
firm of project managers and
consulting engineers and a
market research organisation.
The case studies will examine
what each firm did — and why
— the selection of hardware
and software, the problems
encountered, and an
assessment of how successful
each system has been.
"icons, windows and mice
— a gimmick or the way
ahead?" will examine the new
approach to operating
environments and take a
critical look at these
techniques.
The PC's role in corporate
computing will be examined in
a "future history" feature,
which will look back from the
viewpoint of the early 1990s.
Back in today's world, there
will also be special articles on
gateways and information
services — electronic mail
systems and major databases
such as World Reporter. How
good are they? How easy to use
— and are they value for
money? Expert systems will be
subject to a similar
examination.
"Getting the best out of the
best sellers" will help many
experienced users to make the
most of popular packages such
as 1-2-3, Dbase II and
Wordstar: helping you to make
the big leap from using them to
exploiting their full potential.
Also included in this
complimentary publication will
be a look at support services,
such as training and
maintenance, some advice on
security, and a view of the
future from four major
manufacturers.
Where to find
the Show
The PCW Show takes place at
Olympia, in West London. The
exhibition centre has its own
Underground station so it can
be easily reached from all parts
of the capital. Travel to Earls
Court on the District or
Piccadilly Lines and look out
for the special PCW trains
running from there throughout
the show. For visitors travelling
by car, Olympia is readily
accessible from the Ml, M4,
M40 and North Circular Road.
There is ample parking for cars
and coaches within a few
minutes walk of the exhibition
halls.
Those spending more time at
the show — whether visitors
or exhibitors — can take
advantage of special discounts
arranged at hotels in all price
categories from budget to
5-star. For details phone the
Expotel hot-line on 01-741
4411.
^ The 8th-
Personal,
■omputer
4-8 SEPTEMBER 1985
OLYMPIA, LONDON
Sponsored by Personal Com pi ter World
The New
MT 85/ 86 printers
ape as quiet as a...
T ake a listen to the new MT85 and
MT86 serial matrix printers.
They’re amazingly quiet. Which makes
their performance definitely something
to shout about.
The MT85 is a compact 80 column
printer, while the MT86 offers a full 136
column width. Both print high speed
draftoutputat 180cps. And highquality
correspondence at 45 cps in various
typestyles. I hen there’s compressed,
expanded and hold print for even more
var iet y. A n d o f cou r se g r a p h ics.
Flexibility doesn’t stop there either.
Both printers take continuous fan fold
and single sheet stationery in their
stride. And they’re totally compatible via
plug-in interface modules-IBM PC
and Apple Macintosh included.
The new M l 85 and M 186 from
Mannesmann Tally. Europe’s leading
matrix printer manufacturer.
The quiet revolution in print.
Contact us now for our literature pack.
© MANNESMANN
TALLY
MANNESMANN TALLY LIMITED, MOLLY MILLARS LANE, WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE, RG11 2QT TELEPHONE (0734) 788711
IBM PC and Apple Macintosh are registered trademarks
IT LEAVES YOU
WffHAGOOD
IMPRESSION.
Businessland’s
proprietary design printer
features a controlled strike
energy and high quality
character profile geometry
Translated into English,
that means it prints a better-looking text.
But that’s only one way Businessland’s own BL45LQ
daisy wheel printer leaves a good impression. It outperforms
the “industry standard” printers in many other ways, too.
It’s more reliable.
Faster (45 characters a second instead of 40).
Quieter.
And has less circuitry problems because there’s less
circuitry.
TTie likelihood of jamming is also minimized because of
its unique snap in/out paper handling options.
Call Dovetail Computers and Peripherals Ltd. for a
demonstration of a rather astounding value.
Because the BL45LQ printer that does considerably
more, costs considerably less.
Can’t beat that.
BUSINESS
Dovetail Computers and Peripherals Ltd., 12 Bridge Rd., Haywards Heath, West Sussex, 0444-457613.
104 PCW AUGUST 1985
SANYO 550 Series -
- SUPER Discount Prices
Communications Special:
Master Graph
55
(Mi-Term/Nightingale Modem
DC-10
25
Cable and Serial Interface)
199
Mi-Key (Keyboard re-definer)
25
(plus free registration to Microlink’s
SANYO CRT 36 Mono Monitor & Lead
120
Telecom Gold System)
ZENITH Mono Monitor & Lead
80
SANYO 550 (lx 160k)
669
EPSON RX80F/T with Centronics Cable
269
SANYO 550-3X (2 x 360k)
869
EPSON FX100 with Centronics Cable
539
SANYO 550-6X (2 x 800k)
949
MANNESMANN TALLY MT80 with Cen
(All the above with MS-DOS 1.25, BASIC,
Cable
209
Wordstar, Calcstar and MONOCHROME
BROTHER HR15
399
MONITOR)
BROTHER 2024L(100cpsNLQ)
MS-DOS 2.11 with the above add
35
(Diablo 630 & Epson Compatible)
999
SMUA Membership with any Computer
27
Video Board and Lotus 123 (req 256k)
445
IBM/Lotus Video Board (MS-DOS 2.11
Graphic Specials:
and GW-BASIC)
145
(Grafiti: Freeze Frame: Joystick)
85
Memory Upgrades 64k (128-192k)
41
(Picasso: Freeze Frame: Joystick)
118
128k (128-256k)
75
BASIC Manual
27
Disk Upgrades 2 x 360k Internal
315
Joystick (2 Button) with ext cable
25
2 x 800k Internal
355
Logitek Screen Handler (Ansi 3.64)
15
2 x 800k External
429
Screen dump (Freeze Frame)
32
(All inc Software)
Select — Datastar: Report/Label Pgm
25
lOmb Internal Hard Disk
995
Desmet ‘C’ Compiler and 8086 Assem
155
MS-DOS 2.11
39
Desmet C’ Symbolic Debugger
55
Games/Business Send for list
Superzap
35
Serial Interface (RS232)
49
Cornerman (SANYO’S Sidekick)
38
Clock/Calendar Card
49
M-Disk (Ram disk program)
25
Picasso
70
Mi-Term (Communications Prog)
65
TURBO PASCAL (IBM, Sanyo, Olivetti, Apple CPM
etc)
Turbo Pascal (vers 3)
65
NCS
Turbo Toolbox (Isam, Quicksort etc)
49
Gift f All three
130
Turbo Tutor
29
Pack J
Sidekick (IBM & Full Compat Only)
45
Turbo Pascal (v3 With 8087 Support)
99
Sidekick (Unprotected Version)
70
Gift Pack (v3 With 8087 Support)
164
Graphics Toolbox
45
Superkey
65
Ons and Upgrades
1095 Memory Upgrades 64k RAM 48
145 128k RAM 83
975 AST Six Pack Plus Multifunction Card
Call (RAM: Serial: Parallel: Clock)
895 AST with 64k RAM 275
AST with 384k RAM (Huge Saving) 395
All major Add Ons/Boards/Software Available — Call for prices.
20mb Internal Hard Disk
Hard Disk Power Supply (Optional)
24mb Tape Streamer (No slot req)
Mouse Systems — Mouse
smARTWORK (PCB Design Package)
OLIVETTI M24 Desk Tod or M21 Portable
(with 640k RAM)
M24 Desk Top or M21 Portable
(with 2x360k drives, 640k Ram, HiRes
Mono Mon, Keyboard, Serial/Parallel/
Graphics, MS-DOS 2.11) 1999
As above with 2 x 800k Drives 2199
As above with 1 x800k Drive
and 1 x20mb Hard Disk 3199
OLIVETTI M21/M24 Upgrades
Memory Upgrades 64k (128k-192k)
128k (128k-256k)
512k (128k-640k)
Disk Drives 2 x 800k
1 x20mb Hard Disk
Software as for IBM
55
99
299
325
1095
TELECOM GOLD/COMMUNICATIONS
(SANYO/OLIVETTI/IBM)
Nightingale V21 A/23 Modem
Cable — Modem to Computer
95 Software
14 Mi-Term (SANYO)
Crosstalk XVI (IBM, OLIVETTI etc)
FREE Registration for Microlink Telecom Gold Box with every modem purchased.
65
155
FLOPPIES/PAPER/RIBBONS
MX/FX 80 Ribbons per 10
MX/FX100 Ribbons per 10
BASF or 3M SS/SD 5.25" per 50 70
BASF or 3M DS/DD 5.25" per 50 99
Continuous Stationery
9.5x11 (1 pt) per box 2000 sheets 12 9.5x11 NCR 2pt per box 1000 sheets
Paper — Collection Only
ADD: £10 P&P for each Computer/Printer/Monitor Purci .c^d
Otherwise FREE Postage & Packing
All prices plus VAT at 15%. Manufacturers’ Guarantees
Send cheque with order to:
NORTHWEST COMPUTER SUPPLIES (PCC LTD)
82 School Lane, Didsbury, MANCHESTER M20 ORY
Tel: (061) 434 9747
RETAIL Premises — now OPEN — 2 mins M63/A34 Junction
} , vka^ j Training Discount Vouchers with each computer ■ ri H(
mmmm purchased. Upgrade fitting service available ^ x
LOOK
LOW IK
PRICKS
PJ- pj-
® •
J. - A
LOOK
ooAim
RISKS
Same Day
Despatch
--
WHY BUY ELSEWHERE I
We will better any genuine delivered price
advertised in the current issue of PCW for Boxes
of Disks shown in the list below.
5.25' DISKS
BOXES OF
10 DISKS
Prices per Box (£)
1-4
5-9
10-49
DYSAN
104/ID
HR
S/side D Dens
16.50
15.90
15.30
104/2D
HR
D/side D Dens
23.50
22.75
22.00
204/ID
HR
S/side Q Dens
23.95
23.25
22.50
204/2D
HR
D/side Q Dens
27.95
27.35
26.60
VERBATIM
MD525-01HR
S/side S or D Dens
13.75
13.50
13.20
MD550-01HR
D/side S or D Dens
17.95
17.50
16.75
MD577-01HR
S/side Q Dens
17.95
17.50
16.75
MD557-01HR
D/side Q Dens
22.95
22.50
22.00
10 or 16 hard sectors at same price.
Add £1.20 for library box.
MEMOREX
3431 HR
S/side S Dens
Please
Telephone for
3481 HR
S/side D Dens
3491 HR
D/side D Dens
MOST
COMPETITIVE
3504 HR
S/side Q Dens
3501 HR
D/side Q Dens
Prices
550GHD
D/side H Dens
1.6MB
BASF
ID
S/side D Dens
10.99
10.50
10.00
IX HR
S/side S Dens
12.50
12.25
11.75
ID HR
S/side D Dens
13.20
12.95
12.70
2D HR
D/side D Dens
16.45
16.00
15.00
ID/96 HR
S/side Q Dens
18.25
17.50
16.75
2D/96 HR
D/side Q Dens
20.45
20.00
19.50
5.25 2D
D/side H Dens
1.6MB
34.95
34.00
32.50
HR denotes Disks with Reinforced Hub Rings.
HCK5 Head Clean Kit with Fluid
14.90
14.50
14.00
LC5 5.25 EGLY Library case
1.90
1.80
1.70
LB40-5 ABA Lockable
Box 40 Cap inc Disk Pen
13.50
13.00
12.50
LB50-5 ABA Lockable
Box 50 Cap inc Disk Pen
14.75
14.25
13.75
LB90-5 ABA Lockable
Box 90 Cap inc Disk Pen
16.50
16.00
15.50
LB100-5 ABA Lockable
Box 100 Cap inc Disk Pen
18.00
17.50
17.00
VCK-5 Verbatim 5"
Head clean kit
6.40
6.20
6.00
VCD-5 Verbatim 5" 1
H/c disks (per 10)
12.50
12.30
12.10
DPEN BEROL Quality disk pens (per 12)
5.25
5.00
4.75
DL-5 Disk Labels
100 (5 colours)
4.50
4.25
4.00
DM-5 Disk Mailers
4 disk cap (per )
(00)
21.00
19.50
18.50
3.5*
DISKS
'*/ A*
▼ .
SONY
0M-D3440
S/side D Dens
^ 29.95 ^
29.50
0M-D4440
D/side D Dens
~ 38.1
«v
37.25
VERBATIM
ME 350
S/side D Dens
f A
32.00
A *
31.25
30.50
BASF
FD3.5
S/side(Boxed in 5)
16.00
15.50
15.00
SlO-3.5 SEE-10 Library Box
2.30
2.15
2.00
LB60-3.5 ABA Lockable Box 60 Cap inc
Disk Pen
15.50
15.00
14.50
8"
DISKS
VERBATIM
FD34-9000
S/side S Den
19.50
18.50
17.50
FD34-8000
S/side D Den
19.50
18.50
17.50
DD34-4001
D/side D Den
23.00
22.00
21.00
BASF
IX
S/side S Dens
16.00
15.00
14.00
ID
S/side D Dens
19.00
18.00
17.00
2D
D/side D Dens
22.00
21.00
20.00
LB40-8 ABA Lockable
Box 40 Cap inc Disk Pen
16.50
16.00
15.50
VCK-8 Verbatim 8"
Head clean kit
6.40
6.20
6.00
VCD-8 Verbatim 8" H/c disks (per 10)
12.50
12.30
12.10
PAPER
-LABELS
PAP1 ll"x9.5" 60gsm 2000 Sheets Micro Perf
11.00
10.50
10.00
PAP3 A4 80gsm 2000 Sheets Micro Perf
24.50
23.50
22.50
PAP4 A4 90qsm 1000 Sheets Micro Perf
13.50
12.75
11.50
LABI 89mmx36min 2
on web 8000 labels
23.00
22.00
21.00
RIBBONS -
PRINTWHEELS
- PRINTERS -
SOFTWARE
Telephone or write for very competitive prices on a large range of goods.
OFFICIAL ORDERS ACCEPTED FROM GOVERNMENT OR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
Please contact us for Quantity Discounts (50* boxes) and TYade Accounts.
Description
Quantity
Amount
Postage/Packaging (UK) Post/Pack
5.25/3.5 Disks,HCK5 £1 /Box* (75p 5+, £5 Max)
8" Disks,VCD8,C12 £1.3/Box* (95p S*, £5 Max) Total exc VAT
LC5,DL5,VCK5/8,VCD5,DPEN 50p/pack (35p 5+, £5 Max) V at 0 15%
Lockable Box,Labels £2.5/Box (£2 2+, £5 Max)
Paper,DM5 £3.5/Box (£2 3+,£l5 Max) Total lnc VAT
* Add 30p for First Class Post
Name_____Te 1. No._
Address___
_Post Code
Access/Barclaycard/Cheque No._
Telephone Orders Anytime 01-868 9598
Pinner Wordpro
39 CANN0NBURY AVENUE PINNER
MIDDX HA5 ITS
AUGUST 1985 PCW 105
NEW AND DEMO STOCK AT
MORGAN
(All plus VAT) _
APPLE — software
Apple Writer.£45
Apple Quickfile.£35
Multiplan.£43
VisicalcII&III.£43
80 Col Card fori le.£35
Parallel Card.£30
Serial Card.£45
UHF Modulater.£15
Visiterm/Visished.£35
Visiplot.£35
Extended 80 cold le)+64k £75
Business Graphics.£45
Sy sterna tics lie.£xx
Purchase Ledger.£65
Sales Ledger.£65
General Ledger.£65
Stock.£65
Invoicing.£65
Disk Controller.£45
INTEGER Card.£50
Apple Pascal II & III.£45
CCA Database.£35
PFS11& 111.£25
HARDWARE
Apple Disk Drive.£135
Apple Monitor II & III.£75
Apple 111 incMon.£650
Apple EUROPLUS.£225
Apple 11c Drive.£200
Centronics Card.£30
Serial Card.£45
Silentype Printer.£45
Joystick.£15
Grappler Card.£70
Macintosh.£1100
Apple 111 disc drives.£95
Print Mate card.£15
IBM
IBM PC Complete.£1200
IBM Graphics Printer.£295
AST Megaplus Cards.£250
Tallgrass Hard Disk_£600
Framework.£295
Symphony.£350
SDLC.£90
AT Serial Cable.£45
AT Parr/Ser Cable.£80
IBM Portable.£1100
IBM Expansion Unit.£1000
Display writer 11.£195
Lotus 123.£225
HMS PC,AT,XT,PORT.£50
PFS series each.£50
IBM PC + 10 meg.£1950
IBM XT.£2500
Dbase 111.£200
ACT
Apricot Twin Drive
256k inc Monitor.£1100
ACT printer 15.£225
Apricot Portable.£1100
Wordstar.£150
Most Pulsar Grey.£65
Citoh Plotter.£400
Spare Monitors.£100
EPSON
HX 20.£295
QX 10.£800
CX21.:.£125
Sheet feeder LQ1500.£250
Keyboard DX 100.£100
PX8.£550
OLIVETTI
M10 Modem.£70
Olivetti Jet Printer.£125
Colour Mon. M24.£300
MIO Portable.£250
MISC
HR 25.£450
PR1 Acou Coup.£90
Atari 600x1.£45
MicrovitecMon.£150
HP 86 cpu.£495
Honeywell L32.£295
NEC spinwriter.£700
Rioch 1600 'S’.£550
Seikosha GP 100.£90
VTX modem.£50
Taxan Col mon.£150
Dragon 32.£45
Kaga mon from.£50
Juki 6100.£250
Microwriter.£195
HP 7470A.£600
HP 7475.£995
Buzz Box Modem.£45
Oric Atmos.£45
Oric 4pen Plot.£60
Compaq Port.£1300
Hyperion 256.£1100
Enterprise 64.£150
Sharp MZ 80B.£395
Sharp P6 printer.£195
SANYO MBC 2000
12" GREEN SCREEN twin
320k drives cpm.£395
Over 300 discs
P/D software
available
MORGAN CAMERA
COMPANY
179 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, LONDON W1 Tel: 01-636 1138
106 PCW AUGUST 1985
MONITORS
Microvitec 1431 Standard Res.£189.00
Microvitec1451 Medium Res.£289.00
Microvitec 1441 High Res.£399.00
Microvitec203120"Standard Res.£315.00
Microvitec Sinclair QL.£270.00
Philips BM7502V.H. Res (Green).£85.00
NormendeTV/Monitor + Remote control £249.00
Ferguson CTV +RGB.£240.00
Philips CTV + RGB.£229.00
Kaga RGB Vision 11112".£369.00
Kaga12"H.R. Green.£118
SanyoSCM14"VHR.£425.00
Novex 1414 colour Monitor.£215.00
DISC DRIVES
BBC Single 100K Drive.£99.00
BBC Dual 200K.£189.00
BBC Dual 200K40Track.£159.00
BBC Dual 400K40Track.£299.00
BBC Single4Q0K80Track.£159.00
BBC Dual 800K80Track.£318.00
BBC Single Power Supply *.£20.00
BBC Dual Power Supply.£29.00
DAISYWHEEL PRINTERS
Brother HR15.£378.00
Brother HR15 Keyboard.£155.00
BrotherHR15Sheet Feeder.£212.00
Brother HR15 Tractor Feed.£71.00
QuenData20CPS.£249.00
Juki 610018 CPS.£340.00
Juki Single Sheet Feeder.£230.00
JukiTractorUnit.£115.00
Juki RS232 Interface.£74.00
Juki Spare Daisywheel.£16.00
PRINTERS
Brother EP44.£228.00
BrotherHR5.£148.00
Canon PW1080A160 CPS (NLQ).£289.00
Canon PW1156A160 CPS (NLQ).£399.00
Kaga KP810 (NLQ).£285.00
Kaga KP910 (NLQ).£399.00
Kaga RS232 + 2K Buffer.£95.00
Ensign 1650165 CPS.£305.00
Epson RX80T100 CPS.£212.00
Epson RX80F/T100 CPS.£240.00
MP-165 (NLQ).£316.00
Panasonic KP1091.£325.00
SeikoshaGPIOOA.£189.00
Epson RX1OOF/T100 CPS.£396.00
Epson FX80160 CPS.£370.00
Epson FX100F/T160 CPS.£494.00
ShinwaCP80.£199.00
Riteman Compact 120 CPS.£199.00
Star Gemini 10X120 CPS.£230.00
Star Gemini 15X120 CPS.£339.00
Epson 814RS232 Interface with 2K
Buffer X On/Off.£65.00
Epson LX80.£245.00
LX80 (New Edition).£225.00
COLOUR PRINTERS
Canon PJ1080A7Colour40CPS InkJet.. .£440.00
Seikosha GP700A 7 Colour 50 CPS.£399.00
i COMPUTERS, SOFTWARE,
ACCESSORIES, UTILITIES
and lots, lots morel!
DISKS
Very high quality Fuji
Diskettes, guaranteed for life
at only £20.00 per box
(Double-sided 80 track)
BBC UPGRADES
A-B Upgrade.£110.00
DFS Interface.£120.00
Econet Interface.£69.00
Speech Interface.£54.00
RS232 Interface for any
Centronics-type Printer.£34.00
HOW TO ORDER
You may purchase any of the items listed by
cheque made payable to: Twillstar Computers
Ltd. Barclaycard or Access. All you have to do
is fill in your requirements on a separate sheet
of paper, post to us and we will despatch within
24 hours, subject to availability. Allbrices
inclusive of 15% VAT. ADD £2.50 P&P for
orders below £150. Over add £8 P&P. Credit
card holders may order by telephone. Give
card number, name, address and items
required. Please note VAT is not charged on
export orders. Export customers please ring for
details of P&P.
TELEPHONE ORDERS
( 01)574 5271
Open
6 days a weak
9am to 7pm
Monday to Saturday
IWilbtar Computers Limited
17 Regina Road. Southall, MIDDLESEX UB2 5PL. TEL: (01)574 5271
RM NIMBUS
POWERFUL. FLEXIBLE
AFFORDABLE
AVAILABLE
Research machines Nimbus: 16 bit super micro.
You’ve read the rave reviews — now try a demonstration. The new RM Nimbus can be seen and
tested immediately.
Complete with full range of software, including: word processing, spread sheet, database, accounts
and graphics.
The fastest 16 bit business computer
Built-in colour hi-resolution graphics
80186 Main processor running at 8 MHz
RM graphics processor
8051 peripherals processor running at 11 MHz
8910 sound processor running at 11 MHz
MS DOS version 3.05 operating system
192 K standard RAM expandable to 1 megabyte
2 x 720 K disk drives as standard
Hard disk option — 10, 20,40 or 80 megabyte
Networking up to 64 stations
Interfacing up to 30 peripherals devices can be
attached, (printers, instruments, modem, etc)
Full range of software now available
MS word mouse driven word processor
MS multiplan spreadsheet
Superfile database
Pegasus, Sage, multipac accounts packages
CAD packages
Mouse and joystick operated painting packages
Powerful RM basic, Logo and Pascal languages
And much, much more
Telephone straightaway for an instant trial
Regional Systems
2 Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, London E17 6QQ
Telephone: 01-521 7144
AUGUST 1985 PCW107
Herbie Briggs has
just destroyed the myth
that all floppy discs are
created equal.
Memorex uses a process we developed,
called Solid-Seam Bonding.
Solid-Seam Bonding seals shut even' inch
of every seam of every Memorexffloppy disc
Tight as a drum. That makes the Memorex
They seem equal. Until you look at
the seams.
That’s where equality ends.
Most companies seal their discs with a
spot here, a spot there. Leaving most of
each seam not sealed at all.
Sooner or later, the seams might do what
comes naturally: they bulge. Warp. Pucker.
Open up.
Pens, pencils, fingernails—even a four-
year-old’s, like Herbie—can catch and snag
in those wide open spaces.
That’s sloppy. And dangerous. Because
if you put a sloppy floppy into your disc
drive, it can jam your drive. Ruin your drive
head. Lose your data.
So much for their seams. Ours are
different.
THE SLOPPY FLOPPY:
Sealed with a spot here,
a spot there. Leaving
unsealed seams
everywhere.
floppy stiffen Stronger. And your data safer.
To resist bulging, warping, puckering,
or opening up.
MEMOREX SOLID-SEAM BONDING:
Every inch of every s<
is sealed shut. Tight
as a drum.
r seam
To resist all the things that can jam
your drive, ruin your drive head, or lose
your data.
Which proves that a Memorex floppy
disc isn’t equal to all the others. It’s better.
Solid-Seam Bonding is just one example
of the extra care that goes into every
Memorex floppy disc. Be it 8" 514" or the
new 3V2." Extra care that lets us guarantee
even’ Memorex disc to be 100% error-free.
The next time you’re buying a floppy
disc—or a few hundred of them—just
remember this:
It’s always better to be safe than sloppy.
For more information on the full line of
Memorex quality computer media
products, including computer
tape, call Memorex U.K. Ltd.,
96-104 Church Street,
Staines, Middlesex.
Tel: 0784 51488
Memorex is a registered trademark
of Memorex Corporation
Your Data. When it matters, make it Memorex"
MEMOREX
c 1984 Memorex Corporation
AUGUST 1985 PCW109
NEWSPRINT
Error-correctmg comms is offered^ by a new British invention,_
MultiStream, and Robert Maxwell extends a helping hand to
Sinclair. Read all about it, courtesy of Guy Kewney.
MultiStream
synchronisation
British communications
people have come up with
MultiStream, which attempts
to do part of the job
performed by Microsoft's
intriguing X.PC.
MultiStream does not offer
the X.PC feature of
connecting a user to 15
different databases
simultaneously, but it does
offer error-correcting comms,
and it does it by sending
asynchronous packets.
Packet switching involves
sending blocks of data instead
of single characters, and
checking mathematically to
ensure that the blocks get
there intact.
On the X.PC protocol,
Microsoft has added the
(logical enough) feature of
saying that the packets can
behave in exactly the same
way as they do when the big
boys are playing with them.
They don't just say how big
they are, but also where they
are going.
That's how you get
connected to more than one
database at a time. Your
software has to keep track of
which database you're talking
to, and put the right address
on the packets.
MultiStream has a different
job to do: it has to make sure
that people are sending data
at the right speed.
Our European way of
getting ultra-cheap modems
is to use simple-minded
hardware, which can transmit
at 75 bits per second (about
the speed of the slowest typist
in the world) but can receive
at 1200 bits per second, rather
faster than you can read.
This only causes problems
if you're trying to send a letter
to someone, with your
software pretending to be the
slowest typist in the world.
This Newsprint column, for
example, runs to about 7000
words each month. I will
never forget the time I
prepared it on an Apricot, and
transmitted it to PCW's
editorial offices at 75 bits per
second.
If it had gone without
trouble, it would have taken
two hours or more, but in fact,
Telecom Gold got into an
argument with Packet
SwitchStream halfway
through and lost the lot. The
second time, it got about two
paragraphs further on and
found an ordinary WordStar
character which I didn't know
I'd left there, by mistake, and
obediently stopped receiving.
The new Epad service
allows your modem to switch
about, so that it can send at
1200 bits per second.
Software to take advantage of
this Epad service is already on
the market. United
Information Services,
producer of the excellent
Unicom RAP program, has
produced one called Hush for
the IBM and its compatibles,
the Apricot and the Tl
Professional.
RAP, by the way, is the one
reliable way of using the
Apricot internal modem
without ACT's own
Communique or Micromail
programs.
When Lion House's Comm
is fully debugged, that will be
an alternative, but at the
moment, RAP is by far the
quickest and most reliable
program for driving that
modem. But it does require
more than 256k of memory.
UIS, which is the original
owner of the Unicom name,
should not be confused with
the Demon, which was first
launched as the Unicom
before UIS objected. Contact
UIS on (03727)29655.
Another software package
to support MultiStream
comes from ACT — a new
version of Communique. This
costs £395, including a plug-in
modem for the Apricot. For
existing Communique users,
there is a £95 upgrade charge.
The only obvious caveat is
that there are only two
expansion slots on an Apricot,
and if you want to expand
memory (and you do), that
will use them both up. After
memory and modem, you
can't plug in anything else.
Uncle Clive and
Captain Bob
To talk to Sir Clive Sinclair,
you'd think that there were no
'problems' attached to Robert
Maxwell's refinancing of
Sinclair Research.
He (Sinclair) didn't want to
run the company himself, he
said, and never pretended he
had wanted to.
There were no problems
with the accounts, and the
whole report that there was a
delay was 'nonsense' and he
had no idea how it had come
to be suggested that there
was.
Plans for new Sinclair
Research projects had not
been held up by uncertainty,
nor was there any chance that
they would go ahead any
faster now.
There's no need to doubt
this, for one good reason: had
Sinclair Research really been
in terminal trouble, then
people might have waited for
it to crash before buying the
bits from the receiver.
On the other hand, £15m
doesn't sound a lot for
Sinclair Research, and Robert
Maxwell, the high-profile
technofreak who is now
becoming chairman, is almost
as hardline a patriot as Sir
Clive himself.
Maxwell and Sinclair have
shared a board before, 15
years ago, on Cambridge
Consultants. They've been on
good terms ever since, and
although Maxwell is a Labour
Party man and Clive was
knighted by Margaret
Thatcher, they both regard
the UK as deserving of the
best they can do.
Sir Clive wants to provide
this country with the
necessary technology, in
silicon, for the next couple of
decades. Maxwell agrees.
As far as the rest of us are
concerned, however, the
most important immediate
consequence is that Sinclair
Research is no longer under a
financial cloud, and that the
portable Spectrum, another
portable and the cellular radio
projects can all go ahead.
The Metalab remains part
of Sinclair Research, and Clive
will now receive a fee,
through his own company
(Sinclair Ltd, or something
like that) to be the tame
inventor and R&D director,
effectively leaving Sinclair
Research.
The car project remains
Clive's. Also left with him is
his planned fifth generation
project, which is still only a
gleam in the inventor's eye,
needing 'hundreds of
I'm a sucker for these gadgets — things costing £10
which do work you could do with a pair of scissors. This
one takes the sprocket holes off wodges of computer
printout. It'll cut perforated or unperforated paper, says
Associated Computer Supplies, and any fool can use it. It
has pegs to hole the sprocket holes, and a blade to clamp
over the margin. If lean get hold of one. I'll be able to fit
my printout into envelopes without folding it
Details on (0782) 632178.
110 PCW AUGUST 1985
millions' to develop.
We'll keep wishing him
luck, I suppose.
Orika!
You were wondering what
had happened to Oric?
It is sold.
The buyer is Eureka
Informatique, described in the
announcement as 'the leading
independent distributor of
home computers in France'.
This company has a factory in
Normandy, where it will now
assemble the machine (the
factory already assembles
colour displays for the micro).
Anyone with a need to get
in touch should contact John
McKay Associates, which is
handling publicity for the new
outfit, on (01) 734 4554.
One bad apple
You can forget all about
seeing a fast Macintosh, or a
colour Macintosh, this year.
The project has been put on
ice. The reason? Personnel
changes at the top level.
My contacts in the software
business say they are pleased
to see Steve Jobs, founder of
Apple, forced to take a back
seat in the struggle with the
man he hired, John Sculley.
The phrase used by one (who
obviously wants to stay
anonymous) was: 'The folks
in charge don't include some
whose egos were rather too
involved in their work,' and he
meant Jobs.
On the other hand, the
news is not really all that
good because the 'ego' of
Jobs was heavily involved in
the Macintosh.
It remains true that Apple's
fortunes were built on the
Apple II, and that without it,
the corporation would be lost.
Even today, most of the
money that flows in comes
from the lie and lie, and the
machine still needs
development.
But if the company has a
future, that future lies with the
Macintosh. And a full halt has
been called in Macintosh
development, now that
Jobs has been relieved of
control of that.
A Macintosh with more
memory — both disk and RAM
— was due out in September.
That has been postponed,
indefinitely. And the colour
Macintosh, scheduled for
February 1986, is equally
abandoned — not
permanently, but for some
time.
This has got to be a
mistake. The Atari ST has
both speed and colour
advantages over the Mac (see
June's PCW), and the
Commodore Amiga
(reviewed in this issue) has
even more of both. Apple
invested a fortune in getting
the first low-cost icon
machine onto the market, and
it has a whole year's start on
those two, especially in
software.
But this is not the time for
Apple to go to sleep! Getting
software started on the
Macintosh was hard. Getting
versions of things already
written for the Motorola
68000 and icons onto another
machine with the Motorola
68000 and icons isn't more
than about two months' work.
I don't expect
Commodore's Amiga to be
fully debugged until
Christmas. The Atari ST may
well take longer. Even so, at
the prices those two will be
selling for, a lot of potential
customers are bound to be
tempted, and the only thing
that can keep Apple right in
front is hard work.
Publicly, of course, Apple is
saying that 'nothing has
changed' and that if it looks
necessary to compete with
Atari or Commodore, it will
respond.
But the truth is that
software houses are not
going to continue burning the
midnight oil on colour
versions of their Macintosh
software if the company isn't
fully committed to producing
the colour Mac.
And everyone who has ever
used a Mac is agreed that the
thing is wonderful, but slow
and short of disk space.
Included in those people are
software authors.
Talking about 'Steve Jobs
taking on a more global role
in new product innovations
and strategies' is polite
flannel for saying that things
had to change. Many in the
business believe that, and
who knows — it may be true.
But sacrificing the lead
Macintosh in the icon-micro
market is not going to pacify
the gods who say: 'The Apple
II is nearing the end of its life,'
because that time is coming.
Even if the 6502 chip were
usable in reliable multi¬
tasking (and it isn't), it has
already reached the effective
speed limit of its design. Even
if it could address a megabyte
of memory, as the IBM PC
chip can, it wouldn't be
possible to standardise it
on a system, at this stage,
for software houses to
use the extra.
But worst of all, the 6502
has no big brother, and the
8088 has the 80286, which is
already out in the market.
There is very little difference
between the IBM PC and the
Apple lie, apart from that —
but that is enough.
The fact that the Commodore 128 (reviewed in July) will
run CP/M software when it is released has prompted a
lot of philosophers to indulge themselves long-windedly
about the return of CP/M, just when we thought it was
going to disappear. Indeed, I seem to remember doing
something similar myself when ruminating recently over
the Tatung andAmstrad machines.
Actually, the 128 may do something for CP/M which
hasn't been seen before. The machine includes the
option of a RAM disk, and a great deal of CP/M software,
which was unmanageably slow from floppy disk, can be
acceptably fast from a good RAM disk.
Nevertheless, I expect people to be more impressed
with the repackaged 64, with the option of buying £430
worth of peripherals, including disk and modem (plus
Compunet subscription) for £229.
After the own goal which Commodore scored by
releasing the Plus 4, the 64 took quite a hiding, and this
offer may save it — or at least, it may keep the company
making money long enough to get the 128 launched.
And the attempt to turn the Plus 4 into a business
system by including a disk and a printer may not turn it
into a best-seller, but at least it stops people getting
confused, in shops, over whether to buy the 64 or the
Plus 4.
Anyway, for CP/M fans who really believe that it's
coming back, Davis Rubin Associates has a book of 'free
software', the public domain programs that have grown
up around these machines.
The company says that 'the problem with public
domain software has always been the lack of good
documentation', and this is its attempt to sort that out.
There are £10 worth of free programs supplied with
the book for £27.95, or the book alone costs £17.95. You
have to supply your own pre-formatted diskettes,
enough to hold 1200k, and Davis Rubin Associates
copies the stuff onto them for you.
The book is published by PeopleTalk Associates in
Texas, but Barry Rubin and Jane Davis are in the UK, on
(0386)841181.
AUGUST 1985PCW 111
SHEKHANA COMPUTER SERVICES
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999
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9.99
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10 99
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999
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999
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999
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695
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695
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999
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COMBAT LYNX (BBC/ELEC).
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For mail order all prices include P&P in UK. Europe add 75p per tape.
Elsewhere at cost. Send your cheque/PO payable to: SCS, Dept PCW,
653 Green Lanes, London N8 OQY. Tel no: (01) 800 3156. SAE for list
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If you want to pick up your discount software direct from our shop
please bring along your copy of this advert. Come to “Marbles
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min from Marble Arch tube stn). Further titles & offers available at our
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STOP PRESS - NOW AVAILABLE MAXELL 3” Compact Disks available in individual storage case. £4.60 inc VAT & POSTAGE
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^3^MusvelMtill^ir^adwray^^mdoi^ll^^SH^
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• Apple Hardware
Phone for Mac
System Price
MAC 512k
£
1800
MAC 128k.
1345
Apple //c.
.. 855
MAC Disk Drive
255
D/Drive //c..
... 185
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285
Monitor //c..
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Imagewriter. 15"
425
Mon. Stand....
.... 22
Accessory Kit....
...30
Mouse//c.
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I //c[
|syst<
Hi n
System Price 1 177]
apricot hardware^
£
F 1. Range. P.O.A.
PC 256k D/D3 15k. 1299
PC 256k D/D720k. 1469
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Xi 20MB ram5 12k. 3115
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12“ Monitor. 200
modem board. 242
PRINTERS £
EPSON FX80 . 347
RX80 F/T... 239
RX100. 385
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D/STEP 2000
260
347
250
Terms
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^dPBIII
. , .._ dual
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from £2399
QUALITY BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL
MICROCOMPUTER
• HIGH SPEED: 8 MHz 8086-2 true 16 bit processor.
• HIGH CAPACITY: 720 kB per 5V4 inch fast floppy.
10.7 MB per hard disk (1 or 2).
• HIGH RESOLUTION: 640 x 400 dot text & graphics.
• HIGH QUALITY/RELIABILITY: Japan s top micro co.
• HIGH VALUE FOR MONEY: very competitive prices.
PROFESSIONAL FEATURES
• STANDARD MSDOS 2.11 operating system.
• HIGH LEGIBILITY 14 inch mono or colour screen, tilt/turn
base, double defn. characters (8x16).
• FULL 100 KEY KEYBOARD ideal for word processing. 12
(unction keys give up to 60 functions.
• 128kB to 640kB memory expansion.
• 32 BIT ARITHMETIC PROCESSOR available (8087-2).
• 640 x 400 x 8 COLOUR GRAPHICS card available.
• GSX GRAPHICS STANDARD software available.
• READS 360k IBM PC disks. Supports IBM printer.
• SERIAL & PARALLEL communications/printer ports.
• IEEE-48 card available.
SOFTWARE
• MSDOS 2.11, GW-BASIC, Communications software.
• FREE text editor/calculator/typewriter software.
• FREE Icon user-friendly front end (needs 256k).
• ACCOUNTS: Sage, Pegasus, Multisoft etc.
• WORD PROCESSING: WordStar, Spellbinder, Lex etc.
• DATABASE: DBASE II, Delta, Sensible Solution etc.
• SPREADSHEETS: SuperCalc 2 & 3, Multiplan etc.
• AUTOCAD: Computer Aided Design — superb!
• LANGUAGES: C, CBASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL etc.
OTHER NEC BARGAINS
NEC SPINWRITER 20 chars/sec quality printer: £425
NEC PC-8201 16k battery portable computer: £299
(Prices exclude 15% VAT)
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(0273) 673114 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Name.
Company.
Address.
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Application.PCW 8/85
AUGUST 1985 PCW113
BBC miCRO COfTlPUTER SYSTEm
BBC Computers
Model B.£299 (a) 6502 Second Processor.£175 (a)
Model B + NFS.£335 (a) Acorn IEEE Interface.£280 (a)
Model B + DFS....£346 (a) Z80 2nd Proc. + Software.£348 (a)
Model B + DFS + NFS...£399(a) Bitstick + graphics Software.£325 (a)
BBC B Plus (available from stock).£409(a) '
TORCH UNICORN PRODUCTS:
ZEP100 Z80 Card with 64K Ram + Free Software Package.£275 (a)
ZDP240 Z80 Card with 2 x 400K Dual Drive + Software.£625 (a)
HDP68K + UNIX 68000 with Z80B & UNIX OS.£3495(a)
GS800 GRADUATE 8086 + 256K RAM + Dual Drive + Xchange Software.£925(a)
In addition to above we carry a very wide range of BBC firmware & software packages. Please
write for further details.
Sfi N YO COmPUTER SYSTEfTI
SANYO’S MBC 555 Series featuring 16 bit 8088 CPU with powerful MS-DOS operating system
256K on board ram with a dual drive system offering 360K or 720K storage capacity. Detachable
keyboard with 81 keys including 5 user definable function keys. RGB Composite Video with hi
res 640 x 200 8 colour display. Centronics port as standard. Supplied with Systems dies, Sanyo
BASIC and utility software which includes Professional WORDStar, DATAStar, SUPERSORT
and CALCStar.
SANYO MBC 555-2 360K Drive £1099 (a+b)
SANYO MBC 555-2 720K Drive £1199 (a+b)
FREE SANYO Hi Res GREEN SCREEN MONITOR WITH THE COMPUTER
PRINTERS
EPSON
RX80T £210(a) RX80FT £220(a) RX100 £345(a) FX80 £315(a) FX100 £430(a)
JX80 Full Colour Printer £525(a) HI80 Plotter £399(a)
LX80 Special Introductory Price £242(a)
KAGA TAXAN NLQ Printers
KP810 £225(a) KP910 £349(a)
DAISY WHEELS
JUKI 6100 £325(a) BROTHER HR15 £325(a )
PRINTER ACCESSORIES
EPSON
Serial Interface: 8143 £28(b);
8148 with 2K buffer £59(b).
32K Parallel Buffer £99(b)
Paper Roll Holder £17(b);
FX80 tractor Attachment £37(b)
Ribbons: MX/RX/FX 80 £5(c);
MX/RX/FX 100 £10(c).
Dust Covers: RX/FX 80 £4.50(c);
RX/FX100£6.50(c).
LX80 Tractor Unit £20(c)
Spare Pens for HI80 £7.50(d)
TECHNOLINE VIEWDATA
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Using ‘Prestel’ type protocols
For information and orders phone:
01-450 9764.
24 hour service, 7 days a week.
KAGA Serial I/face with 2K Buffer £65(c)
Ribbon £6(c)
JUKI Serial I/Face with 2K Butter £60(b);
Ribbon £2.50(d).
JUKI Sheet Feeder £180(a);
Tractor Feed £129(a).
BROTHER HR15Sheet Feeder £199(a);
Tractor Feed£99(a).
2000 Fanfold sheets with extra fine
perforations
9.5" x 11" £13.50(b); 14.5" x 11" £17.50(b).
Self Adhesive Labels 3'/2" per 1000.
Single Row £5.25(d); Triple Row £5(d).
Parallel Leads: IBM £18(c); BBC £7(c).
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE
VAT
Please add carnage 50p unless
indicated as follows
(a) £8 (b) £2.50 (c) £1.50 (d)
£ 1.00
MODEMS
— All modems listed below
are BT approved
MIRACLE WS2000:
The ultimate world standard modem covers all com¬
mon BELL and CCITT standards up to 1200 Baud.
Allows communication with virtually any computer
system in the world. The optional AUTO DIAL and
AUTO ANSWER boards enhance the considerable
facilities already provided on the modem. Mains
powered £129(b). Auto dial Board Auto Answer Board
£30(c) each awaiting BT approval. Software lead
£4.50.
BUZZ BUX:
This pocket sized modem complies with V21 300 300
Baud and provides an ideal solution for communica¬
tions between users, with main frame computers and
bulletin boards at a very economic cost. Battery or
mains operated, £62(c). Mains adaptor £8(d).
BBC to Modem data lead £7.
EPROM PROGRAMMERS
Industrial Programmer P8000.£695(a)
Industrial Prod. Programmer P9010.£795(a)
Industrial Prod. Programmer P9020.£995(a)
Industrial Prod. Programmer P9030.£1295(a)
GANG OF EIGHT PRODUCTION POROGRAMMER
£395(a)
UV ERASERS:
UV1B 6 Eprons.£47(b)
UV1T with timer 6 Eproms.£59(b)
UV140 14 Eproms. £71 fb)
UV141 with timer 14 Eproms.£88(b)
We also stock a full
range of
TTLs CMOS, CPU’s,
RAMs, EPROMS.
Please write for our
catalogue.
DISC DRIVES
BBC compatible disc drives, fully cased and supplied complete with cables, manual and
formatting disc for operation with the BBC micro. These drives can operate in both single
and double density modes and are suitable for use with any micro with Shuggart A400
interface. Mechanisms available separately.
Single Drives
1 x 100K40TSS TS100 £85(b)
TS400 £125(b)
1 x 400K 80/40T DS
Dual Drives (with integral psu)
Stacked Version
PD200 2 x 100K40TSS
PD800 2 x 400K 80/40T DS
£190(a)
£265(a)
With integral psu
PS100
PS400
£120(b
£1451
1(b)
m
Plinth Versions
PD200P
PD800P
£215(a)
£289(a)
3M FLOPPY DISCS
Authorised Distributor
3M
Data Recording Products
Industry standard high quality discs with guaranteed error free performance for life.
Discs in packs of 10:
40T SSDD £13(C) 40T DSDD £18(c)
80T SSDD £22(c) 80T DSDD £24(c)
3 V 2 " Discs Pack of 10 £38(c)
mONITORS
MICROVITEC 14" RGB
1431 Standard Resolution
1451 Medium Resolution .
1441 Hi Resolution.
MICROVITEC 14 RGB with PAL &
1431 AP Standard Resolution.
1451 AP Medium Resolution.
KAGA TAXAN 12" RGB
VISION II Hi Res.£225(a)
VISION III Super Hi Res.. £325(a)
All monitors supplied with BBC lead
MONOCHROME MONITORS:
SANYO DM8112CX Hi Res 12" Green
Screen.£90(a)
KAGA KX1201G Hi Res 12" Etched Green
Screen.£99(a)
KAGA KX1202A Hi Res 12" Etched Amber
Screen.£105(a)
ZENITH 123 Hi Res 12" Green Screen £70(a)
ZENITH 122 Hi Res 12" Amber Screen £70(a)
£185(a)
£240(a)
£389(a)
Audio
£205(a)
£280(a)
DRIVE ACCESSORIES
FLOPPICLENE Disc Head Cleaning Kit with 20 disposable cleaning discs ensures
continued optimum performance of the drives.£14.50(c)
Single Disc Cable.£6(d) Dual Disc Cable.£8.50(c)
10 Disc Library Case.£1.80(d) 30 Disc Storage Box.£6(c)
40 Disc Lockable Box.£14(c) 100 Disc Lockable Box.£19(b)
PRINTER SHRRER/8UFFER
A unique printer sharer/buffer that provides a simple way to improve the utilisation of the
installed equipment by reducing the waiting time for printing documents
STANDARD Centronics interface
with 3 inputs
EACH input port scanned every 5 secs to
check for data. Switching between ports
completely automatic.
Data input rate 4800 bytes/sec
LED Bargraph indicates percentage
memory used.
COPY key allows current document to
be reprinted.
* 64K buffer capacity.
* Mains powered
TSB 64 Buffer/Sharer £205(a)
Cable Set £30
Internal check to prove the data
integrity.
PAUSE switch allows printing to be
stopped temporarily to allow paper
change, adjust form feed etc. or allows
temporary storage for large number of
small files which can all be printed
together.
RESET allows all buffer memory to be
cleared without having to hard break on
the computer.
Compact 7cm x 17cm x 24cm
PRINTER/COmPUTER SHARERS
Three computers to one printer (Centronics —
26 pin) £65(b)
External power pack £6.50
Cable Set (ea 1m long) £25(d)
Three computers to one printer (Serial) £75(b)
CONNECTOR SYSTEfTlS
D CONNECTORS
Headers
Receptacles
Edge Conns
Grey Cable m
10 Way
90p
85p
120p
40p
20 Way
145p
125p
195p
85p
26 Way
175p
150p
240p
120p
34 Way
200p
160p
320p
160p
40 Way
220p
190p
340p
180p
50 Way
235p
200p
390p
200p
RS 232 JUMPER LEADS WITH
25 WAY CONNECTORS
24" Single end Male.£5.00
24" Single end Female £5.25
24” Male to Male. £8.25
24" Female to Female.£9.50
24” Male to Female £9.00
Other lengths available
TEXTOOL ZIF
SOCKETS
24 pin.£7.50
28 pin.£9
40 pin.£12
GENDER CHANGERS
25 Way D type
Male to Male.£10
Female to Female.£10
Male to Female.£10
AMPHENOL CONNECTORS
Solder IDC
36 Way Centronics Plug 500p 475p
36 Way Centronics Socket 550p 500p
24 Way IEEE Plug 475p 475p
24 Way IEEE Socket 500p 500p
PCB Mtg Skt
Ang. Pin 36 Way 750p 24 Way 700p
D CONNECTORS
No of Ways
Tkchnomatic Ltd
MAIL ORDERS TO: 17 BURNLEY ROAD, LONDON NWI0 I ED
SHOPS AT: 17 BURNLEY ROAD, LONDON NW10
(Tel: 01-208 1177 (4 lines) Telex: 9228(H))
305 EDGWARE ROAD, LONDON W2
Male
9
15
25
37
Solder
60p
85p
125p
170p
Angled Pins
120p
180p
240p
350p
IDC
Female
175p
275p
325p
—
Solder
90 p
130p
195p
290p
Angled Pins
IDC
160p
21 Op
290p
440p
195p
325p
375p
—
Hoods
90 p
95p
lOOp
120p
Screwlock Hood
130p
150p
175p
PLEASE ADD 50p p&p & 15% VAT
(Kvporl: no VAT. |)AP Lit Cost)
Orders from Government Depls. A Colleges ele. welcome.
Minimum Telephone Order t5.
Detailed Price l.ist on request. 1^51
Slock items arc normal!) In return of post.
114 PCW AUGUST 1985
NEWSPRINT
A disk in the lap
Those invaluable lap-top
portables that started with the
Tandy 100 and followed with
the NEC 8201 and the Olivetti
M10 now have the one thing
they really needed — a disk
drive.
The market, says the
company which has produced
the £200 device, is small. 'As
such, it gives us two choices/
says Zeotek. 'To distribute
through normal retail
channels and see, in
consequence, an increase in
price by up to 50 per cent, or
to market the product by
direct mail ourselves/
It has chosen the latter, and
is looking for people who
want to distribute the disk
inside their companies.
Without having tested it yet,
I suspect that it won't work
like a true disk system on
CP/M micros, simply because
it uses a serial RS232 link.
That's bound to make it
slower than the parallel data
highways normally used for
disks.
However, for those of us
who find the Tandy 100 (or
the other versions, all the
same design) indispensable,
and who aren't prepared to
step up to the near £1000
required for next-generation
hardware, any disk is better
than none. And this one has a
rechargeable battery so it can
travel with you.
Details on (01) 205 9068,
and please, anyone who uses
one, feel free to pass on your
comments. Just a memo
would do.
Dressing up an
image
Despite the fact that he is a
computer nut and a chartered
accountant, I look forward to
meeting Brian Garton
Jenkins, who has just been
elevated to president of the
Institute of Chartered
Accountants. A meeting is
just what the Institute had in
mind, no doubt, when it sent
me his biographical details.
The man is obviously not
content to be pegged into the
conventional staid image of
accountants or computer
industry 'respectables', and is
prepared to work hard at
avoiding this fate.
'Many will remember how,
in the early 1970s, he lectured
around the country and in
Europe, waving a cheap
ladies' dress,' remarked his
publicist, Andrew Colquhoun,
At a mere £1300, this little IBM-compatible portable,
with disk, is enough to make even the Osborne name
seem irrelevant to people who are afraid that the
company can't really have recovered from bankruptcy.
The machine has been upgraded since this model was
first touted (you saw it on the PCW front cover in August
1984), but the original version remains a good bet as a
travelling machine if you can afford something better
than a Tandy 100.
It's only limitations are the 16-line ICD screen and the
fact that it isn't very easy to read in dim lighting. The
Mark Two version, of course, has battery backlighting
for the display.
But this one does have the ability to plug into an
ordinary CRT display, with the full 25-line PC-DOS/MS-
DOS display showing.
Prices start at the £1300 already mentioned for the
128k version. A more sensible 256k version with two
disks (but no rechargeable battery) costs £1700. With the
external display adaptor, plus 512k, the price rises to £5
short of £2000.
By comparison with the 'second generation'versions
of the Tandy 100 — well, there is no comparison. The
only really serious rival will be the Interquadram
Datavue, when the company gets a UK version together.
Details from Future Management on (0908) 615274.
somewhat ambiguously.
Assuming that it was the
garment, not the wearer,
which was cheap, the tale tells
of how (in an effort to test
computer accounting
systems) his staff purchased
the item 'in his wife's name',
and did not pay.
The accounting system in
question proved equal to the
task, and the company
(assuming Mrs Jenkins to be
another light-fingered
swindle merchant) sent round
the heavies.
Now, if we can get him
interested in micros rather
than computer audit
standards, perhaps the image
of the accountancy trade will
improve yet again.
Basic translation
The problems of writing in
Pascal are made far worse if
you're a trained Basic
programmer because the two
langauges don't think alike, so
a translator program, to take
your Basic (Applesoft version)
programs and rewrite them in
Pascal, might not seem
optimal.
However, Woodchuck
Industries has produced such
a translator in the belief that
people will be able to sell their
software on other machines.
Today, P-Tral costs $125,
and when it is fully debugged
(in the autumn) the price will
double. Existing customers
will be charged an extra $25
for the bug-free version.
What makes the translator
unusual is that while it works
on your Applesoft code, it
stops and asks you for
suggestions when it comes
up against problems, so you
probably develop
some Pascal skills as the
thing goes on.
For example, it may request
a new variable name if the
Basic version isn't acceptable
in Pascal.
Woodchuck also claims that
your Pascal code will run
around three to 10 times
faster than the Basic, using
Apple Pascal 1.1.
Details on (212) 924 0576.
To sell or build
— that is the
question
Olivetti is 25 per cent owned
by AT&T, the American phone
giant. AT&T owns Unix, and
sells a big micro worth
£20,000 called the 3B2, while
Olivetti sells an IBM PC
compatible called the M24.
In exchange for having
AT&T sell the M24 in the
States (under the title
PC6300), Olivetti is now going
to sell the 3B2 in Europe.
What is going to slow down
the company, I think, is the
fact that AT&T owns Unix.
Someone has to decide
whether AT&T will make
more money from selling an
operating system to lots of
different Unix systems'
builders, or by building
systems that use Unix.
The man in charge of
selling Unix to UK dealers
insists that the 3B2 is a
wonderful opportunity for the
dealer, and can be used as a
Unix machine, or a local area
network controller, a file
server (or both), and so on.
And when the software is all
ready and polished and slick, I
think he's right.
But AT&T's 'determination
to be a force in data
processing' could be likened
to Intel's determination to be
a leading force in
microprocessors.
Intel sells the 8086 family,
and also builds systems that
use the chip. But, very
sensibly, it doesn't sell
imitation IBM PCs. It does
quite well with a pricey range
of boards and boxes for
people who want to build a
system of their own, but who
only want a hundred or so
(often fewer) for specialist
purposes.
Can AT&T really command
the Unix hardware market,
and sell an exactly similar
Unix to rival hardware
builders? And can it sell the
microprocessor chip — a 32-
bit design — that is inside the
3B2?
In the States, the general
feeling is that the M24 has
flopped. Inside Olivetti, they
say that in fact it's done much
better than they forecast.
It's true that in Europe, the
M24 is looking like the
AUGUST 1985 PCW 115
NEWSPRINT
The theory behind this RAM disk software for the
Macintosh is: you don't need all that 512k of memory, so
use some of it as an imaginary fast disk.
At $34, you might think it's cheap enough not to gripe,
but I don't I know that the Mac is unreasonably slow at
using its disks, and I also believe that this product is
rather more clever than Assimilation Process's Mac
Memory Disk in deciding how much memory to sacrifice
to the imaginary disk.
But many programs for the Mac use more than half the
memory anyway, and you may find that the overall
speed increase is roughly what you'd expect for $34.
What we really want is 512k of memory, plugged into
the second disk slot. But that would cost ...
Details on (602) 224 5944 from Symmetry Corporation,
which makes its appearance with this announcement
More software, it says, will follow.
number one rival to the
original PC. We'll just have to
wait and see if AT&T sticks it
out in the American hardware
business.
A UK Christmas
for the new
Amstrad
It was Alan Sugar's intention,
when he launched the
Amstrad micro, to keep
temptation away. Temptation,
he said, was going to the
States with it. 'I won't go
there,' he said.
Now he has. Well, sort of.
Well, hardly at all, really.
What he's done is to
produce a version for the
American market which will
hardly cost him buckets and
buckets. He hasn't set up an
American outfit — he's just
selling the CPC6128 to
Indescomp. That company
will charge over $700 for the
machine, which will have one
clear advantage over the UK
version — CP/M.
You may have read, in the
past couple of issues, a
warning in this column saying
that the CPC664 wasn't
anything other than a disk
version of the ordinary
Amstrad (normally with
tape), but that a proper
version was on the way. This,
it seems, is it.
The bad news is simple: it
is, says Sugar, 'unlikely' that
the CPC6128 will appear in the
UK this year. There's no
reason to believe a word of
this. If ships had already left
the Far East with stocks of the
6128, they'd be likely to arrive
in September, but Alan Sugar
would not make any
announcements that might
stop dealers stocking the 664
in the meantime.
My information is that the
ships have indeed already
sailed, and a machine capable
of running CP/M version 3 will
be in the shops in plenty of
time for Christmas.
IBM PC Think
Tank — more
than an editor
It's enthusiasm time again.
This issue of Newsprint
comes to you from yet
another editor — this time,
ThinkTank on the IBM PC.
(Well, to be accurate, on the
Zenith imitation XT, but that's
as near as makes no
difference the same thing.)
This is the nicest thought-
organising program I've used.
It goes well beyond the
Macintosh version of
ThinkTank 512 which I raved
about recently, because of its
colour, its replication, its
smart printing abilities, and
its data transfer abilities,
among many features.
The program is a
development of what is called
a 'folding editor', but used as
Living Videotext uses it, it
becomes very much more.
Most users never realise that
it can be used as a simple
editor, using it instead to
structure thoughts, plan
schedules, organise new
routines, and otherwise keep
tabs on their organisational
life.
As is usual with complex
programs, it's almost
impossible to describe.
Unusually, it's very easy to
learn. However, I'll try to give
some idea of what version 2.0
on the IBM is like by asking
you to compare it with one of
those lectures which
computer people are always
giving.
You may never have sat
through a computer expert's
tutorial, but if I say that 'it's
always a question of drawing
boxes and linking them with
arrows', perhaps you'll know
what I mean.
The normal end-result of
such a tutorial session is a
series of words, all over the
board, linked with lines like a
spider's web overloaded with
flies. It's a neat way of
explaining things in outlines,
but somehow, when you
come to look at it all later, you
can't remember which box
was drawn first, and which
others had the arrows coming
out of them.
ThinkTank gives you a
single word, the outline
headline. Type the + sign,
and it will expand itself to
show the sub-headlines.
Move the cursor onto one of
those sub-headlines, and you
can expand them into sub-sub
headlines.
Better than that, however, is
the fact that you can also
expand them into large
explanatory documents.
Take an example — that
always makes things easier.
Your main headline might be
'Tuesday', a day which
involves several complex
tasks.
Expand it and you might
find your sections: 'Before
Work', 'Morning at office',
'Lunch at client XYZ' and
'Afternoon in seminar'.
It doesn't matter in what
order you remember them
because you can put a
headline anywhere and move
it anywhere else.
Things that happen nearly
identically can be copied. If
your presentation over lunch
will be much the same as your
For a mere £1000 more than the Osborne Encore, this
Data General One, at its recently reduced price of £2241,
offers the same single diskette, 128k and liquid crystal
display. The extra money is for a full 25-line, tilting
display of the same shape as the original IBM PC which
the One emulates.
The reduction can be as much as 20 per cent on some
models of the DG One, and a 512k system with two
diskettes fetches a fat £3850. The good news is that
many manufacturers are doing disks for this machine
now, but the bad news is that I bet whichever program
you actually want, it's only available in 5in IBM disks.
116 PCW AUGUST 1985
APRICOT WINDFALLS AT MORSE
We’ve pruned our Apricot prices at Morse, and we now offer stunning discounts
across the entire range. Morse are ACT Blue Riband dealers, and we’ll give you
better support and value than anyone else. Call today!
Apricot PC, 2 315K drives, (RRP £1595): £1125
Apricot PC, 2 720K drives, (£1795), now: £1375
Apricot Xi, 10Mb, 720K drives, (£2795): £2030
Apricot FI, 720K drive, software, (£1090): £995
Portable, 720K drive, software, (£1695): £1390
Monitors: 9” £200,12” £250,10” colour £385
SANYO Superdeals at Morse! Special prices on
MBC 550 series mean 16-bit computing for the
cost of a home computer! Includes WordStar and
others worth over £1000, MSDOS & 128K RAM.
Sanyo MBC 550, Single disk, (RRP £795): £569
MBC 555, 2 disks, extra software. (£995): £749
MBC 555-2, 2 320K disks, software (£1395): £945
Monitors: CRT36 12” £127, CRT70 colour £395
All Morse prices exclusive of VAT at 15%, E. & O.E.
DECIMATE II, the famous wordpro¬
cessing system, includes system
unit, 2 drives, display, software,
RRP £3190. Ex display: 1690.00
Brother EP44 (£249) .... 199.90
Casio PB700(rrp £110) 79.00
Casio FP200 32K (£299) 215.00
Casio FX450Sci (£19.95) 12.95
Casio PF3000 data (£39) 29.90
Casio PF8000 touch (£49) 39.95
Televideo TS1605, full IBM PC
compatible, runs Flight Sim, 1-2-3,
Framework. 2 360K drives, 128K
memory, (512K for £400 extra),
14” display, RRP £1990 1290.00
Epson JX80 7 col. (£569) 540.00
Epson FI 180 plotter (£395)375.00
FX80 used, 1 only (£438) 250.00
PFS Graph IBM (£99).... 59.90
PFS Report IBM (£95)... 57.50
LOTUS 1-2-3, the most popular
software package in the World is
now available in Apricot and IBM
formats. RRP now £440: 375.00
WordStar 3.4 Professional, Corr-
ectStar & Merge (£399) 299.00
VisiCalc IBM (£195) . 115.00
VisiFile IBM (£219). 145.00
VisiSchedule IBM (£219). 145.00
dB Master IBM (£445)... 270.00
MORSE
MORSE COMPUTERS 78 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON WC1V 6LS. 01-831 0644. TELEX 916509.
AUGUST 1985 F>CW 117
NEWSPRINT
Traditionally, octopi have kept a low profile, and this
Octopus from LSI is no exception. Something like 10,000
have been sold, and no-one tells me anything about it.
LSI has now produced this bigger version of the
Octopus, again with twin processors giving both eight
and 16-bit processing, like the old Rainbow.
I know 10,000 is nothing compared with things like the
'failed'Macintosh with 'only' 200,000 units sold, but by
comparison with some UK ventures, it's worth a passing
mention. And the company has been around for quite a
while.
Details on (048621 73883.
introduction for the afternoon
seminar, you can copy the
one, rename it, and modify it.
For things which are exactly
the same, you can 'clone' the
outline.
This started out, according
to Living Videotext, as a
mistake — a 'bug'. The idea
was to have identical copies,
but not to have them work as
clones. Clones (in folklore) are
so alike that they all change
simultaneously, and so it is
with these. If you remember
to add a new joke in your
presentation to one client, all
clones of that outline will now
have 'new jokes' in that place.
If you delete something, it will
disappear from all clones, too.
When they came to fix the
bug, all the test users protested
that it was the most useful
feature in the new version
of the program.
Of course, I'm more
concerned with planning my
output as a journalist than
with planning a day's work,
but the similarities are strong.
The effect is that where your
average administrator
produces a complex network
of things to do, and sub-heads
of how to do them, I produce
a relatively simple outline —
Newsprint in four parts, for
example.
To edit the stories, I can use
the ThinkTank controls. These
involve fairly obvious menu
prompts on the bottom of the
screen, but you can always
type in the control codes
direct. To edit a document
attached to a headline, for
example, you type F10 (to get
the menu) ED (for Edit
Document). To edit the
headline, you'd type EH. If
you can't remember that, just
tap the space bar until you see
the right selection at the
bottom, and hit RETURN.
To edit the text, the IBM
arrow keys can be used, but
there's a big plus — WordStar
keys.
These were an addition at
my own prompting, so I'm
proud of them. I was rabbiting
on to David Winer at Living
Videotext about how stupid
Microsoft and Apple had been
to ignore WordStar cursor
controls when so many
people can do them in their
sleep. Winer went all
thoughtful, and a couple of
months later, when my
review copy arrived, his note
mentioned that he'd taken the
thought seriously. 'You
weren't the only one to ask for
it,' he added, 'but we hadn't
taken it seriously till then.'
The result is that I can get to
the top of the document with
control-Q, R, and the bottom
with control-Q, C. I can delete
the next character with
control-G, or the next word
with control-T — all things I
do in my sleep.
If you're not WordStar
trained, you tell the program
to ignore these keys, and it
does.
The use of colour is a
definite plus over the
Macintosh version: you select
your own favourites, and they
appear. Text being edited is
one colour, text selected is
a different colour. An outline
shows up in your favourite
colour, with all connected
sub-headlines in the same
shade.
As a word processor, the
program lacks only one thing
— the ability to format
paragraphs to different
widths. This hardly matters if
you own an ordinary word
processing program because
ThinkTank will create a text
version of any outline and
prepare it for your own word
processor — even tor
WordStar, with 'soft carriage
returns' and all the other
things.
Within ThinkTank, you can
embed control characters to
turn on your printer's special
features — bold face, underline
expanded,condensed,
and so on.
Any headline (plus
associated document) can be
printed, with attached sub¬
headlines, to whatever depth
you chose, or the whole
document can be printed.
And when the document is
printed out, your recipient will
be delighted to find that the
date is printed at the top of
the page and an index is
attached, showing which
page (numbered, of course)
has each headline, and which
are headlines attached to
superior headlines.
Finally, I have to put in a
word for a very underrated
feature — speed.
From the top to the bottom
of quite a large outline takes a
split second. From the top of a
large document to the end is
instant. Going back, also, is
instant.
In other words, you can use
this program to read stuff
you've written, as fast as if
you were flicking pages in a
book.
I wish I could think of
something about ThinkTank
which I didn't like. Well, I
suppose I can. It's the cut-and-
paste routine. For example,
take the detail about
distribution at the end of this
story — I got that off my
Spotlight index. To get it here,
however, I had to get out of
this document and create a
new headline with the FILES
command. Then I had to edit
that headline's document and
cut it with the selection menu.
Then I had to get out of the
editor and switch to this
headline. Then I had to get the
Paste menu and stick it in.
Still, it worked.
In the UK, ThinkTank will be
handled by Rapid Recall on
(0494) 26271; the contact is
Andy Kitchener.
Networks
everywhere
At last, I have found a local
network system which can
link all other local area nets
together.
It is a system called Banyan,
launched by a new company,
and was one of several really
impressive networking
announcements at the recent
Comdex fair in Atlanta, but on
a level of cleverness that isn't
matched by any of the others.
A Banyan is a swamp¬
growing tree which sends out
new trunks to hold its wide-
spreading branches out of the
water, and it looks more like a
local area net than anything
else you could find.
The network seems able to
link any type of computer to
any other, and to provide
proper file server facilities
across the network, not just a
shared disk system. Better
than that, it can reconcile two
completely disparate local nets.
It can link a 'star' network of
IBMs to an Ethernet, to a host
mainframe, to a token¬
passing ring-main net or to a
Corvus network, using
synchronous or
asynchronous protocols. It
can even support the different
file structures of MS-DOS,
Unix, Macintosh,
minicomputer operating
systems, and mainframes.
118 PCW AUGUST 1985
Qume ribbons, developed Jeg|
and refined by Qume and mBw,
made in Britain for use with
all Qume Printers here in ^Kji|2g|
the U.K. and in Europe.
Why gamble with imitations, when, fora
very small premium you can get
Qume Originals. The best ribbons for all Qume
Printers without a doubt.
Be sure your printer sees "red" when you
fit your next Multistrike I, Multistrike II, or
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Service and Training Centre
Bridgewater Close, Reading, Berkshire RG3 1JT
Telephone: (0734) 584646 Telex: 849706
A British Company of ITT
Food for thought if you’re
about to do your accounts.
A constant diet of sales ledgers, payrolls,
stock control, invoicing (and that’s just for
starters) is almost guaranteed to damage the
health of your business.
You’d be far better off concentrating your
energies on more profitable pursuits, like driving
your business forward.
That’s where your not-so-humble servant,
the unique Apricot Accountant steps in.
Why ‘not-so-humble’? Well, by the time
you’ve finished reading this we believe you’ll see
that you can’t afford to be without it.
FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIPS.
The Apricot Accountant is designed to
work either with one Apricot personal computer
or in a local network with the entire Apricot
range.
Already, were the most widely used range
of business micro’s in Great Britain.
A dynamic duo, without doubt.
Apricot Accountant, as you can see to your
right, is as easy on the eye as it is to use.
Each slim module or Apricot Dataslate is
dedicated to one particular accountancy
function: Invoicing, Payroll, Stock Control, Sales
Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Nominal Ledger
and Data Analysis.
Apricot’s Dataslates allow you to build your
own compact desktop filing system.
Every slate has its own manual and file to
house the 3.5 in. micro floppy program disk.
A PLAIN DIET.
All the instructions are written in plain
English. So, if this is your first introduction to
computers, Apricot protect you from the verbal
fog of computer-speak.
Equally, if your staff aren’t fully conversant
with accountancy terms, they will more than
welcome our plain speaking.
They’ll also welcome the release from the
drudgery of every-day routine.
Our expertise in accountancy is hardly
surprising when you consider that as a company
we have been writing accounting software for
smaller businesses for 20 years.
Many of our dealers have been selling it
for almost as long.
We’ve even thought about your stationery
for use with the Accountant. A specially
designed range of invoices, statements, payslips
etc. are available from your dealer.
But if you’d rather use your own designs,
we can organise that as well.
INTELLIGENT APRICOTS.
The Apricot Accountant is fast, efficient,
thorough and clever.
Unlike other software packages it can be
tailored to suit your business needs.
If you need analysis
of data, for instance, the
keyboard brings a speedy
automatic answer.
We collate the inform¬
ation you feed in and
automatically update the other
relevant modules.
Our software complies with all current
legislation and should the law change we’ll
up-date your system.
The system also knows how to keep a
secret. Only specific password holders are
allowed access to your information.
AN APRICOT CALLED GEORGE?
The Apricot Accountant has a unique,
built-in autopilot called George.
(It has to be better than something wit
a name like a ‘double faceted nerd fangler’)
George carries out certain regular proced¬
ures for you, such as producing a weekly stock
report.
Switch your Apricot computer onto
auto-Q! step through the procedure once, give
the job a title and next time round George will
handle it all for you.
He’ll also train new staff by simplifying
their role to a few simple keystrokes until they’ve
got the hang of things.
APRICOT’S MAXI MICRO’S.
Whichever Apricot micro you choose you
can rest assured you’ve chosen from the pick of
the crop. Not only do we offer the largest
compatible range in the world, but they can all
be locally networked.
They are also fully capable of interfacing
with mini and main-frame computers.
To top that lot, the Apricot software library
is the absolute cream. We have the largest,
published library in the UK.
And that includes the best-selling business
package in the world, Lotus 1-2-3
as well as Symphony, their new
all-in-one system for managers
and professionals.
All the other famous
k software names are there
also: Micropro, Ashton¬
Tate, Microsoft, Digital
ApR icoT Xi 10 256K ram, 10MB Research and so on...
WINCHESTER. £2,795*
Finally, for those
of you hungry for the latest facts and figures
there is nothing to touch Communique.
Services such as Prestel and Pergamon
Infoline as well as Telecom Gold and Easylink,
our telex service, are yours at touch of a button.
Call in on your nearest Apricot dealer so
you can get all the
facts to chew on.
apricot
A ACCOUNTANT
TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR LOCAL DEALER IS, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APRICOT COMPUTERS OR THE APRICOT
ACCOUNTANT, EITHER CALL US ON 0454 617617 OR WRITE TO ACT LIMITED, FREEPOST(BS4251), PATCHWAY. BRISTOL BS12 4YZ. YOU CAN ALSO REACH US ON
TELECOM GOLD-SYSTEM 81-JET 077. 'PRICE EXCLUDES MONITOR OR VAT AND IS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.
100 'Shall: Procedure
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BASIC
PROGRAMMERS
YOUR REVOLUTION
The neatest and best program HAS BEGUN...
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A revolutionary concept with extensive built
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So — If you're writing a program in BASIC,
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Minimum Hardware Required: IBM-PC/XT or Equiv.
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NEWSPRINT
This magazine, The Sunday Times and Thames
Television may seem like an unlikely bunch of
collaborators, but they united as organisers of this year's
British Microcomputing Awards. The winners were
announced in June, although only products available
before the end of January were eligible.
The independent panel of judges included industry
figures such as David Fairbairn of the National
Computing Centre and Robin Bradbeer, one of the
founders of the Association of London Computer Clubs
and now managing director of Intergalactic Robots.
ACT won two business awards — one sponsored by
Computer People for the Apricot Xi, and the other for
Business Micro of the Year with the Portable (one of the
three awards PCW sponsored).
Sinclair collected two awards as well — one for its
Logo in the educational software category (sponsored by
our publishers VNU), and one for the QL as Home Micro
of the Year (the second award PCW sponsored).
There was one other double-header, the Icon local area
network from Torus Systems. This took the Business
Software Award sponsored by Micro Decision, and the
Business Software of the Year Award sponsored by the
Thames Television programme Database. Psion's
bunded QL package won the home version of this
Database award.
What Micro? sponsored two categories: the Atari
800XL took its Home Micro Award, while Peripheral of
the Year went to the Penman Plotter.
In PCW 's third award, for home software, the judges
couldn't decide between two packages, so the award
was split between Triptych's Entrepreneur and White
Lightning from Oasis Software. The games enthusiasts
who judged the Game of the Year Award (sponsored by
WH Smith) came in with a similar split verdict between
Impossible Mission and the Hitch-hiker's Guide to the
Galaxy.
Things were more clear-cut in the awards for the Best
British Innovation of the Year (which was sponsored by
the Sunday Times and went to Oberon's Omni-Reader)
and for the Microcomputing Application in Established
Industry (sponsored by Barclays Bank and won by
Denford Machine Tools).
The company was set up in
late 1983 and has had its
products under test in the
Boston Bank and World Bank,
to both of whom it has now
sold very large multi-network
networks.
The central box on which all
this cleverness is based is a
Unix-driven micro containing
a Motorola 68000.
This is almost the ideal
application for a Unix
machine: it needs to be
served by experienced
programmers who can write
their stuff in C and pass the
job on to the next person.
The box includes an
ordinary IBM PC bus, into
which IBM network cards can
be plugged.
The 'heart of the Virtual
Networking Systems (VINES)
software', as Banyan puts it, is
the Street Talk 'location-
independent naming system'.
This 'provides an efficient
way to identify objects within
the network, such as
information, applications,
peripherals, protocols, or
other computing resources
distributed throughout single
or multiple locations'.
The World Bank system
apparently includes 32
Banyan boxes, each linked to
each other, and each
supporting a complex local
network (already extant, in
some cases) inside the
organisation.
Banyan is contactable at
135 Flanders Road, Westboro,
MA01581,tel: (617)3666681.
To Banyan, the
announcement by IBM of its
PC Networks software was
not even a surprise, let alone
a challenge. To other micro
networkers at Comdex,
however, the IBM
announcement was the talk of
the show.
The pioneering 3Com, for
example, which linked up
with the Microsoft Networks
announcement in late 1984,
has now adopted the IBM
version (which shares some
central assumptions with the
Microsoft product) as a
'strategic direction'. The
company announced its
Macintosh network,
EtherMac, at the show, but
rushed together a statement
talking about 'product
strategy' and its intentions to
support IBM's 'de facto
standard' during this year.
The address for 3Com is
1365 Shorebird Way,
Mountain View, CA 94039, tel:
(415)960 9451.
Low cost is the central
feature of the Racore-Net
announcement. The Racore
network is unique — it's
network hardware put
together to run special
software. The special
software, of course, is IBM's
PC Network software, plus
PC-DOS 3.1.
The important point,
however, is cost: a four-node
Racore network should add a
total of $1000 to the four PCs
or XTs or ATs, or whatever.
Racore uses token-passing
ring architecture, with a two-
megabit-per-second data
transfer rate, which is all fairly
unexciting — and that's what
the company planned.
'It's designed to teach
network users the "control-
alt-delete" of networking,'
said the new company's boss,
Rod Crisp, a reference to the
way an IBM family machine is
reset. 'It uses what will
become a new standard of
networking, and gives them a
chance to start learning their
way around it.'
His network controller fits
into a long expansion slot in
the PC and requires at least
256k, but, frankly, you need
twice that for serious PC use.
Up to 16 machines can be
linked in a cluster, with 250
feet between each node.
Racore is at 10 Victor
Square, Scotts Valley, CA
95066, just around the corner
from Victor (Sirius), tel: (408)
438 7255.
A more ambitious network,
the ThinkLink from Tangent
Technologies, uses the
enormously powerful
Motorola 68010 (the bigger
brother of the 68000, which in
turn is the bigger brother of
the Sinclair QL's 68008) to run
very fast indeed.
However, Tangent's most
impressive contribution to
networking is a link between
IBM micros and Apple's
Macintosh-based AppleTalk.
The main thing about
AppleTalk, on IBM micros, is
that you (potentially) can use
the wonderful Apple
LaserWriter printer.
MacBridge not only
connects a PC to the printer,
but lets several PCs share it, in
the same way that AppleTalk
lets Macs share it. At the price
of a printer that's essential, or
no-one would ever buy one.
Even better, Tangent has
produced a program to
convert WordStar files into
Post Script command files so
that you can do wonderful
things with WordStar. You
can even take a WordStar
document, instruct Post Script
to slant it by 15 per cent, put a
box round it, and print it over
the top of another document.
Apple is planning a vaguely
similar card, but it won't have
the Post Script interface.
Tangent is at 5720
Peachtree Parkway, Suite 100,
Norcross, Georgia 30092, tel:
(404) 662 0366. But there's no
panic about this until Apple
gets the rocks out of the bag
containing the LaserWriter
and ships some over here to
Europe.
There were many other
networking announcements
at Comdex, but they all failed
to qualify for serious
consideration because the
people behind them clearly
had no prior knowledge of
IBM's PC Networks
announcement, or even, for
that matter, current
knowledge. _033
Guy Kewney can be con -
tacted on electronic mail.
His numbers are Source
TCK 106, and Telecom
Gold 81: JDS018.
The Prestel mailbox num-
. beuz.. Q.1-S.Q2 26Z&
AUGUST 1985 PCW 123
WiliHliliIiMHi
[fat first you don[t succeed, attempt a comeback. David
Ah[ reveals the desktop resurrection of DEC, and
presents otherArnerican news and views.
Over the
Rainbow
After a disastrous foray into
the personal computer market
with its Rainbow (over-
designed, late, not IBM comp¬
atible, expensive, poorly
distributed), DEC is
attempting a powerful
comeback— in more ways
than one.
Replacing the Microvax I,
the company has introduced
the Microvax II, a desk-top
version of the VAX 11/780,
star of DEC'S minicomputer
line. Base price of the
Microvax II is about $20,000,
approximately one-fifth of a
full-size VAX. The Microvax II
is available as a low-end
machine in the 32-bit VAX line
and as a network workstation,
and will support up to 16
users in a network at a
performance level of about 90
per cent of a VAX 11/780.
The Microvax II uses two
chips — a 32-bit 78032
microprocessor and a 78132
floating-point unit. The mpu
uses pipelined architecture
and has four gigabytes of
virtual storage space.
Almost more interesting
than the Microvax II is the
announcement of a 600Mbyte
read-only optical disk storage
device — the first compact
disk system to be marketed
commercially.
The price is an attractive
$2195 which includes the disk
reader, controller and cables.
At this point, DEC has no
plans to market the system as
a peripheral for other
computers. Too bad.
Worms in the
Apple
Amid growing dissatisfaction
among its independent local
retailers, Apple has decided to
disband its three-and-a-half
year old national accounts
sales operation. Lately, the
100-man sales and support
group has mainly been
concentrating on trying to sell
the Macintosh to large
corporations in direct
competition with IBM, and
has scored some notable
successes. But while 20 to 30
per cent of Apple's sales came
through this unit, dealers felt
betrayed due to their
diminished margins and
questions about Apple's
market intentions following
the withdrawal of the
Macintosh XL.
Enzo Torresi, senior vice
president of the Businessland
chain of stores, expressed a
common view among
dealers. He said: 'Apple has
laser technology, a local area
network, integrated packages,
a database server, and a lot of
reasonable, well-done, user-
friendly software. But is that
sufficient in an IBM-
dominated market?'
Apple's success, said
Torresi, lies in how well it can
motivate the existing dealer
channel in presenting an
alternative to IBM. 'That's the
challenge where DEC, Xerox,
Tl and Burroughs failed.'
With the disbanding of its
national accounts program,
Apple seems to have heeded
these views and has again put
its local dealers in the
forefront of the market battle.
Also with Apple, the
company announced it would
kill a program to manufacture
20Mbyte 5V4in hard disk
drives, and that it would
postpone the release date on
a Mac file server to the year
end as opposed to the
October availability
promised earlier.
Jean-Louis Gassee, former
general manager of Apple
France, has been appointed
as marketing director of the
Macintosh division. He
replaces Mike Murray who
becomes director of business
development, a new post.
Meanwhile, Apple
chairman Steve Jobs will
spend a month or so in France
— on holiday, perhaps?
The second time
around
Reorganised and directed by
an entirely new management
team recruited from Atari and
NEC, SpectraVideo recently
unveiled a series of CP/M and
MS-DOS computers at a New
York press conference.
The event marked the
official re-introduction of the
company since writing off and
restructuring approximately
$2.6 million of past debt, and
becoming a majority holding
of Bondwell Holding Ltd of
Hong Kong. It's the Bondwell
name that appears on all the
machines, as it does in the UK
where Barbitan is the
importer.
The company has announced
four entries in the CP/M
arena. Most interesting is the
Bondwell 2, an 11 lb lap-top
portable with built-in 3V2in
disk drive, 25-line x 80-
character LCD display, and
bundled software from
MicroPro. The machine is
priced under $1000 and is
marked for September
delivery.
Three other CP/M machines
fall into the transportable
category — the Bondwell 12,
14 and 16, all of which are
currently available.
The Bondwell 34 and 36 are
MS-DOS machines and are
said to be IBM compatible.
The 34 has 256k, dual 5V4in
disk drives and the usual
interfaces; price is $1795. The
Bondwell 36 substitutes a
10Mbyte hard disk for one of
the floppy drives in the 34,
and is priced at $2995.
'Marketing,' explained John
Constantine, president of the
new company, 'will be largely
locally based because our
present dealer network is
widely scattered throughout
the country.'
To date, no Hong Kong
manufacturer has been
successful in the US market
(except as a second-source
OEM supplier). Will
SpectraVideo be the
exception? Much as I like the
company, I would have to say
'not a chance'.
Coming soon
Next month will be my 18th
month writing the Yankee
Doodles column, and I hope
you have all enjoyed it. If you
have a comment or if there is
something you would like me
to cover, please drop me a
line at 12 Indian Head Road,
Morristown, NJ 07960, US.
In the coming months, I
intend to go out on a limb and
make some projections on
those companies who will
and will not make it in the
personal computer market —
not only in the US, but
worldwide. I'm also going to
give you my pick of the 12
worst computers that have
ever been unleashed on an
unsuspecting public. And if
that isn't enough, I'll also
make a prediction as to which
countries will be most
influential by the Year 2000.
This is something that almost
everyone else did in the
magical year of 1984, but
now, I'll give you the real
truth. Stay tuned!
Random bits
In an effort to revive an ill-
fated deal with Apple
Computer, Cullinet Software
has supplied Apple's MIS
group with a program to
connect Mac computers to
Apple's IBM mainframe.
Cullinet hopes that Apple
executives will use the system
and will like it enough to bring
it to market. . . Informatics
General also has a micro/
mainframe link called Micro/
Answer Toolkit, through
which micros can access IBM
mainframe files and
databases . . . Data General
has upgraded the LCD screen
on the Data General One (for
the second time), made
available a five-slot expansion
chassis, and cut prices by 15
per cent in an effort to boost
flagging sales . . . Morrow has
also upgraded the screen on
its Pivot portable to a 25-line
unit and dropped the price by
$10000 . . . PC compatible
vendors have introduced a
tidal wave of new machines in
an effort to take advantage of
the shortage of IBM PC/AT
computers. NCR has
introduced the PC8; Compaq,
the Deskpro and Portable 286;
Zenith, the Z-200; ITT, the
Xtra XP; and Corona, the ATP-
6-QD . . . Acknowledging that
the PC6300 has not sold well,
AT&T's James Edwards said:
'We decided that going head-
to-head with IBM was stupid.'
AT&T's new strategy will focus
on communications and local
area networks . . . Microsoft
has introduced Excel, a
spreadsheet for the
Macintosh that the company
hopes will break Lotus'
stranglehold on the
spreadsheet market. It is said
to have advanced capabilities
in size, speed, interactivity,
multiple window displays,
graphics and formatting. fTTfl
124 PCW AUGUST 1985
l o l MF Tu gEfi
s t oj R JL£i
sa
VALUE
AND
SERVICE
S Y S T E M ■ 1
APRICOT XI
COMMODORE
PC-10
(IBM Compatible)
256K RAM Free
Accounting Suite
Hard Disk + Free Printer frM including Payroll
+ Free Integrated Accounts Software
1 deluding Payroll Training & Installation
l
£1395
£2495
SYSTEM-
S Y S T E M • 3
OLIVETTI M24
£895
APRICOT FI
720K Disk 256K Memory
\ includes Free Integrated Accounts
Software
Twin Floppy
+ Free Accounts Software
ALSO AVAILABLE
10 Megabyte Hard Disk
£2895 + VAT
£1645 v 1
S Y S T E M • 6
SPERRY PC
S Y S T E M • 5 j | 256K RAM, 2x 315K5V 4 inch
drives, plus free accounting
£895
APRICOT
TWIN DISK
+ Free Word Processor
+ Free Printer
ALSO AVAILABLE
720 K Drive version
POA
software and free printer.
£1890
+ VAT
S Y S T E M • 7
ZENITH Z150
(IBM Compatible) Twin Floppy + Free
a | A Accounts Software
LoO AVAILABLE 10 Megabyte Hard Disk
\\ £2845 + VAT
£1645
S Y S T E M • 8
EVALUATION
SYSTEMS
AVAILABLE FROM f 100 per week
ALSO AVAILABLE
RENTAL SYSTEMS
FROM
£40 per week
COMPUTER DISCOUNT STORE
58 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF16DR
Tel: (0222) 488650/488641
APPLE COMPATIBLE PERIPHERALS
NOTCHER disk capacity DOUBLER. £3.99
SATURN 128K RAM CARD for lie.£199.00
128K RAM Card with manual & disk.£139.95
SNAPSHOT (II & 11 + ) - Dark Star.£52.00
SNAPSHOT lie —Dark Star. £99.00
COPYKIT Software — Dark Star.£19.95
SHUTTLE MULTITASKING Software Dark Star £19.95
Auto Dial/Auto Answer MODEM Card.£125.00
COMMS software for above. £25.00
PRESTEL Graphics ROM for Modem Card £19.95
Disk Drive Controller Card. £34.95
13/16 Sector Drive controller card. £39.95
16K RAM (language) Card. £39.95
80 Column Card (Videx Compatible) ll+/e.£44.95
80 Col Card as above with Soft Control.£59.95
INVERSE Video ROM for above £5.00
80/40 Column Hard Switch. £6.95
80 Column Card for lie. £44.95
80 Column Card for lie with 64K RAM £84.95
Z80 CP M Card for II + . £39.95
Z80 PLUS Card with Manual for II +. £49.95
CP/M Z80-B (6MHz) Card with 64K RAM II +. £ 169.95
Z80 Card for lie.£44.95
CP/M Module for lie. £86.00
Parallel Printer Card (Centronics).:. .£34.95
Parallel Printer Card (Epson). £34.95
SUPER Parallel Card with manual.£89.95
Printer Buffer Card (64K dump).£129.95
Grappler + Card. £84.95
Grappler * 16K Buffer £149.95
CHAMPION Parallel Interface (with cable). £45.00
CHAMPION + 16K Buffer (with cable) £89.00
CHAMPION + 64K Buffer (with cable) £125.00
CACHEBOX 64K Parallel inline Buffer.£125.00
Communications Card. £32.95
RS-232 Serial Interlace Card. £34.95
SUPER Serial card with manual. £89.95
7710 Asynchronous Serial Interface.£79.95
NTSC to PAL Converter + UHF Mod £44.95
NEW PAL Card with Sound. £49.95
RGB Card (TTL output). £49.95
d (LINEAR outpi
RGB Card (LINEAR output). £49.95
IEEE-488 Controller, cable, disk & manual.£149.95
Eprom Blower Card (2716,2732,2764). £49.95
MK2Eprom Blower (2716,2732.2764,27128) £59.95
NEW EPROM controller/Parallel I/Face. £32.00
EPROM Blower for 2716,32,32a,64,128,256. £53.00
PROM Writer card blows 74S472.74S288 £159.95
8748 Writer bums 8748,8749. £149.95
A/D Card 16ch,0-5.12v, 100 microsecs. £79.95
D/A Card 2ch 8bit, or Ich 16bit, 0-IOv £98.00
8 BIT AD/DA (8 or 16ch a/d, 1 ch d/a). £59.95
12 BIT AD/DA (16cha/d, Ich d/a) £119.95
CLOCK CARD (TIME II) Card £44.95
MOUNTAIN Clock card £179.95
Music Card.£44.95
Wildcard.£69.95
Wild Card Plus.
Four Port Twin 6522 Card.
£99.95
£34.95
6809 Card.
£119.95
Integer Basic Card.
LOGO Card.
Joystick (self centering).
£32.95
£14.95
Joystick (deluxe version).
Joystick extension cord.
£19.95
£3.99
ASCII Encoded Keyboard wrth l/c mod.
IBM STYLE keyboard for Apple.
A/C Cooling Fan (clip on) with suppress.
£54.95
£89.95
£24.95
Speech Card.
Replay Card.
£79.95
Forth Card . .
£89.95
8088 Card with 64K (capacity 128K).
Light Pen system.
£365.00
£159.95
Graphics Table
IMAGE Processor (col/mono/SSTV use)
SATURN/TITAN ACCELERATOR Card 11 +
SATURN/TITAN ACCELERATOR FOR lie
1C TEST Card TTL Version (send for info)
1C TEST Card D/SRAM,ROM/PROM EPROM s ware
| PRINTERS — DOT MATRIX
NEW LOW PRICES!!!
ANADEX — 100% DUTY CYCLE
ALL MODELS.
.Call
BROTHER
HR-5 Portable thermal transfer (P or S)
. £125
HR-5 for CBM64/VIC 20.
£125
EP-44 Thermal transfer (KSR).
M-1009 Dual Interface
£189
M-iooo(tBM) 50cp*...I!!!!!!!!!!;!!”;!!;!!!!"""!!!!"!!!!!!!;!;;!!!!!”!!*"
£149
2024LNLQ 190cps draft.
TC 600 — Typewriter — printer
IVE for TC 6
£889
£339
£149
DISK DRIVE for TC 600
CANON — NEW LOW PRICES
PW-1080 160cps (NLQ). £263
PW-1156 160cps (NLQ) £349
F-60 80cps Thermal DRAFT NLQ/LQ/GR 110col £349
PJ-1080A Seven COLOUR 37cps.£379
DATAPRODUCTS — PAPER TIGER
8010 80col 180cps draft NLQ both S & P £389
8011 as above but IBM COMPATIBLE £389
8020 132col 180cps draft both S & P £469
8021 as above but IBM COMPATIBLE.£469
8050 132col 200cps + SSF both S & P .£1219
8050 COLOUR as above but colour printing.£1449
8070 132col 400cps draft LQ both S & P £ 1589
8070 COLOUR as above but colour printing £1829
EPSON
"NEW LX80 80col lOOcps (16cps NLQ) £206
Tractor for LX80.£19
Sheetfeeder for LX80.£49
FX-80 80col 160cps.£309
FX-100 F/T 136col 160cps.£420
LQ-1500 200cps (NLQ) 4 to 16’ paper width.£855
EPSON 8143 Serial I Face OK.£29
EPSON 8145 Serial I/Face 2K buffered £59
EPSON 8148 Serial I Face 3K buffered £65
XON/XOFF Serial I Face 2K buffer.£65
EPSON/COMMODORE I Face 2K buffer.£53
EPSON 8165 PET IEEE 2K I Face 2K buffer.£65
EPSON PET IEEE Cable 8260.£20
EPSON APPLE Card 8132.£59
EPSON APPLE Cable 8231.£20
8K Buffered parallel or serial l/F.£79
16K Buffered parallel or serial I F.£95
32K Buffered parallel or senal l/F.£125
64K Buffered parallel or serial l/F....!.£159
HONEYWELL
ALL MODELS.Call
nisnnsN
BUSINESS SYSTEMS LTD
66, MAPLE DRIVE, EAST ORIN8TEAD, WEST SUSSEX, RH1S 3UR
MANNESMANN TALLY
MT-80 ♦ lOOcps.£179
MT-85 80col. 180cps, IBM, (corr.qual 45cps) £289
MT-86 136col, 180cps, IBM, (corr.qual 45cps) £369
MT-160 160cps.£395
MT-180 160cps (NLQ). £545
MT-280 200cps, 132col, IBM, (corr.qual 50cps).£825
MICRO PERIPHERALS
CPA-80P Parallel 10Ocps, 80col.£179
CPA-80S Serial version of above £195
CPA-80Q QL version of above.£219
CPA-80C Commodore version of above £195
CPB-80P Parallel IBM COMPAT 130cps, 80col £199
CPB-80S As above but Serial. £209
CPB-136 Parallel IBM COMP 130cps. 136col.£289
MP-165 165cps 136col NLQ.£235
MP-165Q QL version of above £311
MP-1651 IBM version of above £249
SERIAL Interface for 165 series.£55
NEC
PINWRITER P2 80col £349
PINWRITER P3 132col £479
Parallel Interface for P3/P2. £99
RS232 Interface for P3/P2.£129
IBM PC Interface for P3/P2 £99
Sheet Feeder for P3.£289
Tractor Unit for P3.£119
NEWBURY DATA Heavy Duty
DRE-8830 Parallel 180cps 132col.
DRE-8840 Parallel 240cps 132col.
DRE-8925 Parallel 240cps 132col
£1019
£1129
£1275
£89.00
£199.00
£269.00
£299.00
£119.95
£169.95
APPLE STORAGE DEVICES
CUMANA full height drive for Apple £109.00
CUMANA half height drive for Apple £145.00
AFD-2 half ht SS/DD320K floppy drive £249.00
AFD-4 half ht. DS/DD 640K floppy drive £289.00
AFD-4 drive controller card.£59.00
INTEC 5MB Hard Dnve for Apple. £699.00
INTEC 10MB Hard Drive for Apple £950.00
INTEC 10MB Hard Drive KIT. £875.00
5/10MB Hard Drive Controller Card £250.00
(Note All INTEC drives are UK built and backed — Prices include controller
card, cables, power supply, utility and diagnostic software for DOS. PASCAL &
CP/M, together with 24 month service warranty)
DRE-8850 Parallel 300LPM £1959
OKI — MICROLINE
OKI-82A P&S 120c ps 80col.£239
OKI-84A 200cps Parallel.£645
OKI-92P 160cps Parallel.£315
OKI-83A 120cps Parallel.£385
OKI-2350 Parallel line printer £1492
OKI-241 OP 350cps line printer £1529
PANASONIC
KX-P1091 120cps NLQ, IBM COMPATIBLE £249
KX-P1092 180cps NLQ. 7K buffer, IBM COMP £369
RADIX
10 FT 200cps.£439
RITEMANN
PLUS — (MX-80 FT compatible) 120cps 80col £199
BLUE PLUS (RX-80 FT comp) 140cps80col £229
11 — (FX-80 compatible) 160cps 80col NLQ £255
15—(FX-100 compatible) 160cps136col £395
NEW F 1 80col 105cps FRONT LOADING, NLQ. 2K £224
SEIKOSHA
GP-100 VIC 50cps £149
GP-100 Parallel or Serial.£149
GP-500A 50cps.£169
GP-250X 50cps.£199
STAR
SG-10 (F/T) 120cps 80col (50cps NLQ).£195
SD-10 (FT) 160cps 80col (65cps NLQ) £299
SR-10 (FT) 200cps 80col (80cps NLQ) £399
SG-15 (FT) 120cps 136col (50cps NLQ) £295
SD-15 (FT) 160cps 136col (65cps NLQ) £399
SR-15 (FT) 200cps 136col (80cps NLQ) £489
TAXAN
KP-810 140cps 80col NLQ.£279
KP-910 140cpis 156col NLQ.£368
KP-810PC IBM VERSION.£329
KP-910PC IBM VERSION £409
TEC
1550 Parallel.£539
1550 Serial.£539
TOSHIBA — 24 Wire Head
2100H Parallel lOOcps LQ.£1339
2100H Senal lOOcps (NLQ).£1269
Auto Sheet Feeder for 2100 £546
Bi-directional Tractor for 2100.£136
P-1340 Pll or Senal. 80col * Graphics.£549
P-1351 Pll or Serial. 136col + Graphics.£999
PRINTERS — DAISY WHEEL
£311
£349
£549
£599
£690
£779
£129
£179
£60
BROTHER
HR-15 Parallel 20cps
HR-15 Serial 20cps
HR-25 Parallel 25cps
HR-25 Serial 25cps
HR-35 Parallel 35cps
HR-35 Serial
HR-15 Keyboard
HR-15 Sheet Feeder
HR-15 Tractor Feed Unit ..
HR 25/35 Sheet Feeder. £185
HR 25 35 Tractor Unit. £75
TOWA
Daisy Junior 14cps 80col, Pll.£199
MMto 2000 18cps 132col. Pll. £219
630-API 40cps . £1529
630-API Sheet Feeders, from. £229
EPSON
DX-100 Parallel 20cps.£315
JUKI
6100 18cps.£297
6300.
2200.
.£645
. £245
2100 .
. £169
NEC SPINWRITER
3510 30 15 Ser Pll Diabk) 35cps
7710/30/15 Ser Pll Diablo 55cps
£1429
2000 Printer 20cps.
£509
Ser Pll Diablo I/face for 2000
£89
8800 Printer
£1299
Ser. Pll Diablo 1 lace for 8800
£99
Accessories for NEC printers
QUME
11 40 RO (without interface).£1165
9 45 RO full front panel.£1525
12 20 Letter Pro (S or P) 20cps .£445
9 55 RO full front panel 55cps .£1895
11 /55 RO (without interlace).£1359
QUEN DATA UCHIDA
Daisy Wheel Parallel 18cps. £215
UCHIDA DAISY WHEEL 20cps parallel.£199
UCHIDA as above Serial version £239
RICOH
RP-1200 Parallel/Senal 20cps £489
RP-1300S Parallel/Serial 30cps £789
RP-1600S Pll or Ser 8K 60cps £1300
FLOWRITER 1600 46K Multi I/face.£1235
FLOWRITER 130046K Multi I face £1279
Elec Mech Sheet Feeder RP-1600. £445
Tractor Unit for 1600 Models. £129
SILVER REED
EXP-400 Parallel 10cps. £219
EXP-400 Serial 10cps. £249
EXP-500 Parallel 16cps.£259
EXP-500 Serial 16cps.£289
EXP-550 Parallel 19cps. £419
EXP-550 Serial 19cps
EXP-770 Parallel 36cps
EXP-770 Serial 36cps
Tractor for 500
Tractor for 550/770.
Cut Sheet Feeder for 500
Cut Sheet Feeder for 550/770
8K Buffer for 770.
16K Buffer for 770
48K Buffer for 770
TEC STARWRITER
FI 0/40 Parallel 40cps
£455
£559
£589
£84
£105
£163
£163
£55
£95
£259
Elec/Mech Single Sheet Feeder
Tractor for FI 0 units.
£445
.£129
PLOTTERS
_
EPSON HI80 Plotter
ASTAR MCP-40 4-Colour 80 Character
ASTAR MCP-80 4-Colour full graphics
£349
.£105
£165
SILVER REED EB-50 typewriter.plotter
MANNESMANN TALLY Pixie-3
.£159
£325
COLOUR PRINTERS
£345
EPSON JX-80 160cps Text.
DIABLO 150C.
ANADEX DP-9725B
£469
£799
£1299
CPP-40 4-Colour printer/plotter.
£99
MONITORS
_
SANYO
DM-2112 40col 15MHz + P31 £63
DM-8112CX80col 18MHz + P31. £83
CD-312514" Normal Res RGB £155
CD-311714" Medium Res RGB £275
CD-311514" High Res RGB £379
DMC 7650 IBM/APRICOT Colour Monitor £319
YAN JEN
GN-1211 12” Green or Amber 20MHz with tilt & swivel base £83
ZENITH
122E 1 2 15MHz AMBER.£84
123E 12” 15MHz Green.£79
Tilt base for above.£8
ZVM-133 13" Colour Hi Res (IBM-PC).£329
Cable for ZVM-133 IBM-PC.£15
PHILIPS
7513 12” Green, composite, 20MHz £69
7502 12" Green. IBM Compatible 20MHz £94
CT 2007 Monitor TV RF.CVBS.RGB . £199
TAXAN
KX 1201G 12* 20MHz. Green, P31 tube.£89
KX 1202G 1 2 20MHz, Green. P39 tube £99
KX1212PC 12" (IBM) 20MHz. Green P39 £119
MONOCHROME CABLES
Phono/Phono.
BNC Phono.
£3.75
.£3.75
Videolink for Commodore 64.
UHF Phono.
.£3.75
£9.00
INDESIT
APRICOT display 12” (beige or black).
.£159
[COMPUTERS
APRICOT
FI.
. £910
£1295
£1529
£2189
£2499
£2945
£595
£789
£789
£1125
£110
£279
£419
£49
£79
PC 256K + 2 x 315K + Monitor
PC 256K + 2 x 720K + Monitor
XI256K + 10MB + Monitor
XI512K + 10MB + Monitor
XI512K + 20MB + Monitor
SANYO
MBC 550 128K + 1 x 160K 4 software
MBC 555 128K i 2 x 160K * software
MBC 550-2 as 550 but 360K Drive
MBC 555-2 as 555 but dual 360K dr
CRT 36 Hi Res 1 2T Green Monitor
CRT 50 Med Res Colour Monitor
CRT 70 Hi Res Colour Monitor
MBC 232 RS232 I/Face board
64K RAM Plug In Module
EPSON
PX-8 Portable Computer
120K RAM Disk for above
PX8 + 120K RAM Disk
QX-10 Desk Top Computer
PCs AND COMPATIBLES
A-200M 256K + 2 x 360K drives + mono display MS-DOS. GW-Basic.. £1449
A-200C as above but COLOUR £1549
COMMODORE
PC-10 256K * 2 x 360K drives • monitor .£1499
PC-20 256K + 1 x 360K • 10MB • monitor £2439
COMPAQ
PC-2 256K + 2 x 360K drives
PLUS Portable
DESKPRO 1.
DESKPRO2
DESKPRO 3
DESKPRO4
IBM
Mono PC 256K + 2 x 360K drives + monitor
Colour PC 256K + 2 x 360K + monitor
Mono XT 256K + 1 x 360K + 10MB + monitor
OLIVETTI
M24 256K + 2 x 360K drives £1675
M24 256K + 1 x 360K * 10MB £2795
M21 256K + 2 x 360Kdnves.£1580
M21 256K + 2 x 720K drives £1799
SANYO
£1295
£1689
£3098
£1725
£2099
£3395
£4525
£1575
£1845
£3100
SOFTWARE
WORDSTAR.
D BASE II .
.£189
.ww
FRIDAY .
FRAMEWORK
.£129
£315
lotus 1 23.
. . .£269
SYMPHONY.
.£350
DMS DELTA
£369
MULTIMATE.
.£255
OPEN ACCESS.
.£310
DBASE fill.
.£315
SUPERCALC II...
.£130
SUPERCALC III.
.£189
MULTIPLAN
.£125
PEACHTREE ACCOUNTS
.POA
PFS FILE.
.£75
PFS REPORT
.£75
SIDEKICK.
.£42
CARD BOX PLUS
£285
CROSSTALK XVI
£120
WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL
£245
SIDEWAYS .
£49
WORDSTAR 2000
£289
FLIGHT SIMULATOR
£39
NORTON UTILITIES .
. £65
SPREADSHEET AUDITOR
£75
NICEPRINT.£69
PC PAL.£29
—WE OFFER EXCELLENT DISCOUNTS ON JUST ABOUT EVERY MAJOR
BRAND OF SOFTWARE — CALL FOR QUOTATION”*
REMEMBER Even if you don’t see it advertised here we can probably supply it AND FOR LESS. Problems with limited space means that we are only able to advertise
a limited range of products. Additional prices on application. Consumables, paper, ribbons etc, supplied at exceptional prices. 24-HOUR DELIVERY on items
ex-stock
CARRIAGE WITHIN UK: items which may be dispatched by POST (eg, peripheral cards etc) add £2.00 per order uhder £50.00. ORDERS EXCEEDING £50.00
CARRIAGE FREE. SOFTWARE PACKAGES: CHARGED SEPARATELY MINIMUM CHARGE £4.00. Items which must move by CARRIER (such as printers,
monitors etc) will be delivered within 24-hours for a charge of £10.00. OR ALTERNATIVELY within 48-HOURS at a charge of £7.50. Add 15% VAT to all prices given.
Remember, VAT is also applicable on carriage at 15%. Terms STRICTLY CWO. DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME. FOREIGN enquiries if possible by telex please.
Favourable rates to most destinations. CALLERS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
126 PCW AUGUST 1985
The search is over.
At last, the first complete BABT approved
communications package for the IBM® PC,
XT, AT, Compaq and compatibles.
The ‘Missing Link’* is an internal modem
which comes with a menu driven colour
software package allowing autodial/
autoanswer access to private and public
VIEWDATA and
TELETYPE
services such as
PRESTEL®,
TELECOM GOLD®,
P.S.S.
ONE TO ONE,
and hundreds more.
This British product plugs into any
expansion slot and offers V21 300/300,
V231200/75,75/1200, Bell 103 full
duplex and 1200/1200 half duplex with
full error correction. An Asynchronous
card is not required.
26 Remote Service details can be held on
disk and dialled automatically with full auto
logon capabilities. Full Viewdata graphics
are displayed WITHOUT replacement
chips on the colour card or the need for
the IBM Viewdata card.
The Missing Link is available from IBM
dealers at a price of £499** + VAT
APPROVED tor use
with teleo^^^^^^w systems
run by Britj^^^^^^Hiications
accordanct'iTO^ppr^itions in the
B.T. APPROVALS. S/1397/3/F/500202
INCLUDES FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO
Communications for the Computer Age
For further information contact
PC Communications Ltd.,
Business and Technology Centre,
Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, Herts.
SGI2DX
Tel. Stevenage (0438) 316561
Telex 825824
IBM is a registered trademark of International
Business Machines. Prestel and Telecom Gold
are trademarks of British Telecommunications.
* P C. Communications ADM8 internal modem
and software
Communications "w-owi*.
_» The 1985-
Personal
Computer
Show
IF YOU SUBSCRIBE NOW
Subscribe now and we will give you
two free tickets to personal
computing’s main event of the year
— The 1985 Personal Computer
World Show.
55S Oj-o r
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CD. CD CO
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The Living C editor is a true full function commercial editor, fully
menu-driven with help facilities on call. The editor is fully integrated
and can be used at all times throughout thp design, development,
maintenance and debugging of your C application.
re
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Living C allows you to execute all your C source code on the screen.
You control the code you wish to examine and the speed of
animation. The cursor demonstrates exactly how your source is
executing, enabling you to understand instantly how the application
or prototype works - or why it doesn’t!
Living C conforms to the full Kernighan and Ritchie standard.
Living C not only highlights all errors discovered, but also offers
comprehensive error diagnostics and useful hints to solve the
problem. Corrections can be made immediately, using the fully
integrated Living C editor.
The Living C windows allow you to constantly monitor the variables
and I/O of your applications even when you are “zooming” to your
next breakpoint!
Post to Perception Software Systems Ltd., London House, 243-253 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2LL
Please send_Quantity
Living C-Personal @ £99 x
Code Generator @ £99 x
Postage & Packing
VAT
TOTAL
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To order your copy of Living C-Personal please complete this form
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Living C-Personal is available for PC-DOS with mm 192KB RAM
Thjs is the chance to air your views — send your letters to
Communication s. Personal Computer^ World, 32-34
Broadwick St, London W1A 2HG. Please be as briefas
/possible ami add 'not_ for publication' if your letter is to b e
keptjpnvate.
Calculating
the mean
In the December 1984 issue of
PCW, you published a review
of an ISO Pascal package for
the BBC Micro.
Some of your readers may
be interested to know that an
ISO package is also available
for the OS-9 based Dragon 64
micro. The language follows
the ISO level zero spec very
closely and, as in the case of
the BBC, includes a large
number of (optional)
enhancements. Fig 1 shows a
Pascal Benchmark
comparison between the
Dragon and other micros
which you have recently
reviewed (notice how the
Dragon and the BBC Micro are
both penalised for their full
9.5 significant digit
calculating accuracy in all
maths functions).
The geometric mean, which
I consider to be the only
meaningful way of
'averaging' Benchmarks,
summarises the results for
each of the six micros listed.
Clearly there is nothing to
choose, in terms of speed,
between the BBC or Dragon
p-Code interpreters. OS9
Pascal does, however, include
a native code translator which
offers a very considerable
increase in speed.
On the subject of
Benchmarks, I feel I have to
criticise your habit of printing
the arithmetic mean at the
end of your Benchmark tests.
This value, in my view,
imparts no useful information
at all. As GT Childs pointed
out (Letters, April), the
geometric mean provides a
more precise and meaningful
summary of the eight
Benchmarks, although even
this figure could be
misleading as it includes the
controversial Benchmarks.
Basic09, the Basic of the
6809, is a case in point. If this
compiled Basic which runs on
the OS9-based Dragon 64
(and Tandy Colour Computer)
were to be included in your
list of 68 computer systems
(January issue), it would take
twelfth place. However, taking
its geometric mean of 3.08
seconds, it would rise to no
less than second place with
the Macintosh not far behind
at 4.85 seconds (fourth place).
Jason Shouler, Poole, Dorset
Calculating the mean remains
a bone of contention; it's
better to work out which
functions you're most
interested in and then
compare those. And don't
lose sight of the fact that
while the Benchmark figures
are instructive, there's more
to using a micro than the
speeds they measure.
Special software
PCW readers may be
interested to know that
Bardsoft (funded by Sinclair
Research) contains
information on a wide range
of software for special needs,
covering 40 micros including
the Spectrum, the BBC, Apple
and Commodore. This
information is located by
using keywords —
descriptors. For the time
being, printouts will mainly
centre around 10 main
descriptors, which are:
Assessment
Communication
Recreation
Numeracy
Training/Therapy
Cognition
Employment
Teaching
Perception/Motor
General
Searches can also be
carried out on request for
software for specific makes of
micros, input switches, goals,
and so on. There is a
minimum charge of £1, with
each subsequent record
costing an additional lOp. All
prices include postage and
packing.
As we are continually
updating and expanding the
database, we would welcome
information on relevant
software. In return, we can
help to publicise the
information worldwide. We
have found that some early
learning and primary
programs are suitable for
inclusion.
For further details, contact:
HPRU, Newcastle upon Tyne
Polytechnic, Newcastle NE7
7TW, tel: (0632)358211.
Peter Curran, Project
Assistant, Handicapped
Persons Research Unit
Taking it
seriously
Perhaps you could ask the
compiler of April's ChipChat
to stick to computing subjects
and not try to comment on
other fields of expertise. I am
referring to the comments
regarding Nigel Searle's
signature (PCW, April, page
296). While I am sure that
many readers found it
amusing, it showed total
ignorance of a very serious
matter. After all, how would
you like Nigel Searleto
suggest that you had spelt the
word 'computer' wrong when
you hadn't?
Nigel had not spelt his
name wrong in the signature,
but wrote it in a manner that
to any half-competent
graphologist would show
many positive traits.
The fact that the letter 'e'
looks like an 'i' shows mental
keenness and agility. The fact
that the 'i' is dotted ahead of
its stem, so in this case it
looked as though it was over
the 'e', shows keenness and
enthusiasm, as does the
generally rising lines of his
signature. Other indications,
such as the open tops to his
letters 'g' and 'a', show
openess and generosity with
his emotions, and the way he
writes the capital letter 'N'
shows pride and sensitivity.
However, on the negative side
there are signs that he blows
his top fairly easily!
I hope this will clear up
confusion in anyone's mind,
and I would be happy to
analyse your handwriting
one day!
Brian A Watling, Belvedere,
Kent
Thanks for the offer, but we'll
stick to appearing purely in
print for the time being.
However, any readers with
signature samples from the
famous should rush to send
them in.
All power to
Amstrad
I have something to say to
Amstrad — congratulations.
Not for making it through the
Christmas period, but for truly
understanding your field.
Of the millions of micros
sold worldwide, none has
been worthy of the name
'home micro'. The millions
sold have gone into the hands
of hobbyists, gamesters and
other vertical users' groups.
Not one computer
manufacturer, until Amstrad,
knew what a home computer
should be like. Try explaining
to someone how useful a
Spectrum will be for keeping
recipes or friends' phone
numbers and addreses. They
may be convinced at first, but
PASCAL
Dragon
BBC
Apple
8L
Dragon
Spectrua
Aastrad
BENCHMARK
ISO
ISO
usso
Pcode
Native
Native
Native
lagnlfier
4.9B
2.40
6.40
1.00
0.30
0.85
2.95
repeat loop
56.90
119.70
63.30
40.10
3.30
7.80
30.50
Mhileloop
71.60
120.00
70.90
45.10
4.80
8.90
33.80
for loop
58.90
29.60
74.30
11.00
5.00
7.10
29.50
1iteralassign
71.40
52.30
88.50
22.00
6.10
7.50
30.50
aeaoryaccess
72.80
53.10
91.00
20.70
6.40
7.80
30.40
urequalif
97.30
105.20
115.30
40.50
7.90
10.60
33.40
equal if
99.30
105.60
116.70
42.50
8.10
10.60
33.50
noparaieters
33.60
30.70
50.20
15.30
11.20
6.50
18.60
reference
36.30
34.80
55.30
17.50
12.00
7.20
19.40
value
36.30
37.90
54.40
18.70
12.20
7.20
19.50
realalgebra
48.40
58.30
83.40
37.90
36.70
21.40
20.80
realari tfiaetic
62.70
61.20
93.00
43.80
50.80
20.70
19.90
vector
171.30
202.10
203.30
77.50
51.70
17.00
40.50
aatAs
332.40
346.10
66.00
10.20
321.20
9.30
9.00
Fig 1
130 PCW AUGUST 1985
waiting for the cassette to
load will put them off after
the first go.
The Spectrum and
Commodore 64 might be too
slow, so tell them to buy a
Beeb with a disk drive, a
monitor and ROM software.
You might as well pay the
money for an IBM PC or a
compatible.
Only now is it possible to
utilise the power of a
computer at home, now that
the Amstrad 664 is here. The
most important feature of a
computer is speed, but that,
however, is let down on
cassette systems. It seems to
have taken ages for someone
to figure out that a disk drive
was needed to make use of,
and be an excuse for using a
computer.
For £450, you can now have
a usable home/office/school/
games computer, thanks to
Amstrad.
One thing is nagging me,
however. Why did Amstrad
choose a 'non-standard' 3in
disk system? The 3V2in has
proved more popular and is
the shape of things to come. I
hope the company rectifies
this soon.
Samer Shuli, Abu Shabi, UEA
This is a totally unconfirmed
rumour, you understand, but
we hear that Amstrad could
get a much better deal on 3in
drives than 3V2\n. And while
we're less than keen on tapes
and agree that the 664 is good
value, we're not too happy to
see the Americans getting
CP/M version 3 first on the
6128. Still, if you accept that
business must be business,
then that's what Amstrad's
good at.
Working out the
winners
I read with interest the article
in PCW June on blackjack
('Beating the system'). It
surprises me that the author
can have overlooked in his
discussion two sources of
information, one on each of *
the topics which he covers,
although to be fair neither is
particularly well known.
The whole topic of random
number generation is dealt
with comprehensively in a
paper in the SIAM Review in
the late 1960's or early 1970's.
If my memory serves me
correctly, the substance of it is
that multiplicative
congruential methods of the
form:
X (n+ i> = [(X (n ,*a) + c] mod m
provide the longest period
provided that the constants
a and c are appropriately
chosen, usually by ensuring
that they are relatively prime
to each other and to m. The
simplest way seems to be to
ensure that they are both
prime numbers.
His second oversight is
rather more serious. RA
Epstein in The Theory of
Gambling and Statistical
Logic, published by Academic
Press, 1977, devotes
considerable space to an
analysis of blackjack in which
he estimates that under
various conditions, a positive
expectancy of up to about 13
per cent is attainable and I can
do no better than to refer
interested readers to this.
PR Wilkins, Camberley,
Surrey
The easy way
In your May and July Letters
pages, there are 'simple'
formulae for Fahrenheit/
Centigrade conversion and
vice versa. For many years, I
have used an even simpler
conversion which seems
adequate for non-scientific
purposes.
To convert degrees
Centigrade to Fahrenheit,
double the Centigrade figure
and add 30 to the result.
To convert degrees
Fahrenheit to Centigrade,
subtract 30 and halve the
result.
Elizabeth White, MD,
Newcastle upon Tyne
Calling all
LEX users
I was very interested to read
the article in the June issue of
PCW on the use of macros in
the Spellbinder word
processing program. I use a
program called LEX-11 on a
VAX 11/750, which would
seem to have similar abilities.
To standard word processing
features such as mailmerge
and boilerplating it adds
calculation facilities, column
moving, a database, and
keystroke storage of common
phrases. However, the most
interesting feature of LEX-11
is its ability to store any series
of keystrokes an operator
might perform, by means
of a system of 'visible
equivalents'. So macros
can be written to perform
applications such as
invoicing.
I am a beginner in this area,
but I have set up an invoice
application, and (just for fun)
a simple wages program
'translated' directly from one
written in Basic by a
colleague. These macros use
the calculator facility, but
there are many other
applications involving text
alone: for example, storing a
letterheading that
automatically prints the
current date.
I would like to take this
opportunity to ask whether
any other users are interested
in LEX's programming
facility, and if so, whether
they would like to contact me
via PCW. I don't know
whether there is a LEX user
group. If there is, I should like
to join it. If there isn't, perhaps
we might
start one.
Chrys Bavey, Hull
Stolen property
Our offices were burgled
during the weekend of 8/9
June 1985, and among the
items taken was an Apple
Macintosh computer. Could
you bring the serial number of
the computer to the attention
of your readers in case
anyone chances upon it?
The serial number of the
Mac is FG2110GM001 (it is a
standard 128k Mac). An
Apricot with two single-sided
floppies was also taken.
We are offering a
substantial reward for
information which leads to
the return of the machines
and the conviction of the
thieves. If you have any
information which may be
helpful, please write or
telephone (01) 437 4343.
Duncan Scot, Popular
Computing Weekly, 12/13
Little Newport Street,
London WC2H 7PP
A fighting spirit
I am a Tamil from Sri Lanka,
now living in India as a
refugee after the ethnic
troubles that erupted in
July 1983.
I lost most of my
possessions during the
violence, but my Apple lie
computer with two disk drives
and my Epson FX-80 printer
which were installed in my
office were saved. The
vandals who ransacked my
house destroyed my Z80 CP/
M card and the 64k/80-column
card, which I had bought only
a week prior to the riots, along
with most of my applications
software manuals.
After 40 days of living in
fear, I flew to Madras with my
wife and our four children.
Sympathetic friends in
Airlanka and at the Customs
helped me to send my
computer system by air
cargo to Madras.
I am now living in India in
the southern-most part of
Tamilnadu. After all the
hardships and after having
lost virtually everything I
possessed, I have now
dedicated myself to teaching
computer programming to
poor people.
I would be very pleased to
get in touch with any serious
Apple users among your
readers.
TV Antony Raj, Tamilnadu
Just in case there's any
problems, we haven't
published the full address —
any letters will be forwarded.
Sale or return
I am a sales assistant in a big
computer shop in Ipswich,
and I was curious about the
25 percentage of returns
rumoured on Sinclair
machines, because out of all
the returns we get, the
majority of them are for Acorn
machines and that is allowing
for the fact that we sell more
of them than any other micro.
I have done my own survey
of most of the shops in
Ipswich and have come up
AUGUST 1985 PCW 131
Go for the Best,
Regardless of Cost
EVEN IF IT’S CHEAPER
Go for the Best,
Regardless of Cost
EVEN IF IT’S CHEAPER
7,000
in Service
Worldwide
(for
Dealers
Only)
4.77 MHz
and
7.00 MHz!
English
^ German
French
Italian
Spanish
Chinese
Russian
Keyboards
Standard System Features:
•256K Memory - Expandable to 640K right on Main PCB!
Superior Memory reliability at 7.0 MHz
•Real Time Clock with Battery Back-up and Driver Software
•1 Serial Port (COM1) with Optional (install Chips & Cable)
Second Serial Port (COM2)
•1 Parallel Port (LPT1)
•Game Port
• Floppy Controller for up to 4 Drives
•Two 360K V 2 Height Panasonic (Shugart) Drives
•140 Watt XT type Power Supply (This System IS Hard Disk
ready!)
•Monochrome Display Adaptor
• 12" Hi-Resolution Amber/Green CRT (TTL)
•84 Key IBM™ style, Capacitance, 100 million character
Keyboard
•Expansion from 256K to 640K Only DM400.00
•One Year Warranty on all Parts
System Options
Color Graphics Adaptor
. Supports two levels of graphics and text in mono-
* chrome or color. Low resolution 320 x 200 pixel,
f high resolution 640 x 200 pixel.BOA-6200-00
■ Hi-Resolution Mono Graphics
| This Hercules type board will run 1-2-3 software
“ with a true full screen, high resolution of 720h x
1 348v pixels.BOA-6150-00
iVjii
Hard Disk Controller
Handles 5 to 140 megabytes with minimum soft-
; ware configuration. Features DOS 1.1 & 2.0 com¬
patibility, and ST-506 Interface.BOA-8050-00
i
_ Hard Disk Drives
10 Meg DRI-4200-00 40 Meg DRI-6630-00
■ mmmm- 20 Meg DRI-4265-00 105 Meg (D,E,F) DRI-4250-00
26 Meg DRI-6625-00 140 Meg (D,E,F,G) DRI-4270-00
y
10 Meg Tape back-up
Inexpensive, reliable, on-board micro-processor
that supports streaming or file-oriented. Uses
Floppy Controller as Drive C. DRI-8080-00
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^4iroducts ,020 ' 45 26 50
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U Fax: (020) 41 81 29 Talax: 18306 TODAY!
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* 640K (64K-640K selecta
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w/8087 math co¬
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» 8K TURBO BIOS
• Full 640K RAM (maximum
XT memory map RAM
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• IBM PC pinpoint
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The
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• Same dimensions as
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• 4 channel DMA 8237-5
System Components
Add-On Power Supply
IBM Hard Disk replacement type, 140 Watt, New
High Velocity Whisper Fan, will easily run 2 Floppys,
Hard Disk and Tape Back-up.POW-1040-00
4 '
IBM Selectric Style Keyboards
These quiet alternative Selectric type keyboards
will bring the features you have been wanting to a
price you can’t resist.KEY-1051-00
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5 Slot CAB-3065-00. 8 Slot CAB-3068-00
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L Hi-speed algorithmes will burn 2716. 2732, 2732A.
[ 2764 (in 52 sec), 27128. 27256 EPROMS under
software control right in your PC . . BOA-8640-00
MM
Super 12 PAK Multifunction
I Features Parallel Port, Serial Port. Game Port, Clock/
1 Calendar, Expand to 384K, all cables, PrintSpooler
* and RAM Disk Software.BOA-6335-OO
M
• 7 PAK Multifunction
1 Features Floppy Controller, Parallel Port. Serial
y Port (optional 2nd Serial), Game Port, Clock/
v Calendar. RAMdisk, PrintSpooler . . . BOA-6250-00
i. Color Graphics Adaptor
J Supports two levels of graphics and text in mono-
* chrome or color. Low resolution 320 x 200 pixel.
j high resolution 640 x 200 pixel.BOA-6200-00
HHH
|. Hi-Resolution Mono Graphics
[ This Hercules type board will run 1-2-3 software
If with a true full screen, high resolution of 720h x
1 348v pixels.BOA-6150-00
Hard Disk Controller
1 Handles 5 to 140 megabytes with minimum software
configuration. Features DOS 1.1 & 2.0 compatibility,
and ST-506 Interface.BOA-8050-00
Hard Disk Drives
10 Meg DRI-4200-00 40 Meg DRI-6630-00
i' 20 Meg DRI-4265-00 105 Meg (D.E.F) DRI-4250-00
26 Meg DRI-6625-00 140 Meg (D.E.F.G) DRI-4270-00
10 Meg Tape Back-Up
Inexpensive, reliable, on-board micro-processor
that supports streaming or file-oriented. Uses
Floppy Controller as Drive C.DRI-8080-00
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LETTERS
with the following results:
Acorn 12 percent
Sinclair 15 per cent
Amstrad 9 percent
Atari 10 per cent
Now that is different to the
last poll, isn't it?
Andrew Thomas, Ipswich
Communications
correction
I read with interest the news
story on page 110 of the June
issue of PCW, and would
like to correct a point
raised regarding our
communications capabilities.
Communications to Prestel,
bulletin boards, Telecom
Gold, and so on, is available
via two pieces of currently
available software:
1) Communications with
Viewdata, available from
ourselves or Kuma, rrp
£39.95p.
2) Intext, available from
Talbot Computers, rrp
£113.85p.
To transfer data from one
machine to another, an
extremely easy-to-use piece
of software is Hex-In Hex-Out,
available from Crystal
Research, rrp £50.
David Bell, AIDPM, software
projects manager, Tatung
(UK)
Architecture
abounds
I am a student of architecture
at Sheffield University.
I am very interested in
architectural applications for
personal computers, and
would like to contact any
other architecture students or
architects with similar
interests with a view to
sharing ideas, programs
and tips.
I have a BBC Micro system
and have written a program
for simple 3D (perspective)
modelling of buildings on this
system, and also have
experience with larger
systems on mini-computers.
If anyone is interested
please contact me.
BC Bowden, 4 Whirlowdale
Crescent, Millhouses,
Sheffield S7 2NA.
We've also had a letter from
Derek Burdekin ofSIavedrive
Software, 'a company set up
by an architect to research
into the whole business of
architects and computers, and
to promote the use of
computers in architectural
design'. Slavedrive's address
is 19 Newlay Lane, Bramley,
Leeds, tel: (0532) 560687.
Back by any
other name
As software director of Multi
Media Bureau of Language
Enterprises, I believe I can
offer some advice to Adrian
Taylor (April Letters, page
117) on the delicate issue of
language marketing. My
company has to date
published in excess of 200
languages, including over 40
computer languages. Our
publications included five
versions of English
commissioned by Japanese
manufacturers for producing
technical manuals, versions
of Pascal, Ada, Babbage and
Pollock, variations on Bach, a
Double Dutch, and all-Greek.
The problem with this type
of software is that, once
published, a language
becomes public property,
liable to be used or misused,
abused and confused by
anyone without the slightest
obligation to the original
designer. I'm afraid that no
publisher will be able to
guarantee your reader that his
name will be preserved for
posteriority. A few language
designers have been lucky —
Chaucer with his English
BLUDNERS
In June's Program File we
missed the end of line 9140 in
Alpha. The line should read as
published, but with the
addition of :ENDPROC at the
end.
And going back to May,
we've been told by HM
Customs and Excise that
using the 'M-Basic VAT
Accounting' program will
result in an incorrect VAT
liability', and that 'the method
does not fulfil the legal
requirements of Retail
Scheme D ... Advice on the
correct operation of the
scheme should be obtained
from local VAT offices'. It was
an accountant who checked
the program for us, but we
don't feel up to disagreeing
with the VAT people.
readily springs to mind — but
unfortunately most sink into
oblivion. Even if Mr Taylor's
Back makes it to fame and
glory, he himself may remain
a Mr Nobody — a great
anymouse of computer
science. The only way round
this is for Mr Talyor to rename
his Back Taylor, or Adrian Jike
Pascal did with Wirth, Fortran
with Backus and Ada with
herself.
Before Mr Taylor submits
his Back to a publisher (and
we at MMBLE will be more
than happy to have a good
look at it) he must carefully
consider the following points:
1) Is it portable? That is, can
he carry it all the way to the
publishers' offices, or will
they have to come over
themselves? Will the users be
able to carry it home? Will it
crash their computers (this
has been known to happen
with languages which are not
portable)?
2) Is it safe and user friendly?
From Mr Taylor's descriptions
I'd say the language is
alarmingly dangerous — a
'steel spike on the top casing'
is definitely against the
country's safest regulations,
especially as this language
will be implemented on home
computers. I suggest Mr
Taylor redesigns this aspect
of the language. I'm sure he
can put the spike somewhere
lower down his Back where it
is not so readily accessible.
3) Does it support four-letter
words? Most programmers
like to have a good sprinkling
of these when everything else
fails, words such as GOTO
and OFFF. Also, are the error
messages meaningful,
explicit, elaborate and
uninhibited?
It isn't possible to go into
more detail here, but perhaps
Mr Taylor would like to give
us a call in the near future and
we'll be able to discuss
matters in more depth. In the
meantime, we at MMBLE
wish Mr Taylor the best of
luck, and may he be
remembered in the annals of
computing as the man who
gave his Back to the public.
Andrew L Gol, Software
Director, MMBLE
Was that your
implementation of Double
Dutch we saw the other day,
or one that's passed into the
public domain?
Office
automation
research
Could any of your readers
help me with research for a
TV programme? The
programme is planned to
investigate the ways in which
office automation is changing
people's jobs.
I am interested in hearing
from people who have found
their working lives changed —
for good or bad — by the
introduction of new
technology into their office.
The programme will look at
every area of office work,
including secretarial and
clerical workers, managers
and professionals. All replies
will be treated in strictest
confidence and should be
sent to me at the address
below.
Lucie Hill, 27 Swinton Street,
London WC1X9NW [£0
'This is my son. He's going to be big in computers'
AUGUST 1985 PCW 133
g/'g does not necessarily mean best: Martin Banks sounds a warning
note on the adventof32-bitprocessors.
They're right, of course, all those
technology people. They would be,
wouldn'tthey; after all, they invented it
in the first place. Why have one, or even
eight, when you can have 16 or 32 of
them to play with?
Everyone wants 32, if only because
the technology people have told them
so forcefully that such a quota is
necessary. It's just a little passe to have
only 16 of them now, isn't it? So many of
the common herd have got that many,
so going for 32 at least marks one out as
someone special, a connoisseur of
things numeric and digital.
Those who have just eight to play
with are, well, beyond the pale. They're
the people who do it at home, behind
closed doors, and generally only have,
you know... small ones.
Yet there is a school of thought which
suggests that 32 is brain-numbing, 16 is
an overkill and eight is just enough for
the majority of users, and they
shouldn't be conned into wanting more
by deceptive advertising and technolo¬
gical hype.
Before you ask the obvious question,
I'll give you the answer — I'm talking
about bits. Bits, you see, are all-
important in thistechnological age, but
I'm beginning to wonder whether there
are too many of them and if we actually
need them.
What prompted this train of thought
was an article in an American electro¬
nics magazine which gave advance
details of Intel's new 808386 microp¬
rocessor. This, for those who don't
know, is a 32-bit device. What im¬
mediately struck me as strange was the
fact that the company has barely got its
existing 16-bit processor chips, the
80186 and 80286, out onto the market in
anything like quantity, and half the
world is still wondering what on earth to
do with them.
Intel released the information be¬
cause getting any new chip designed
and into new systems and equipment is
a long job. The designs for the next
generation of personal computers are
already underway. These machines are
likely to be, whether we like it not, 32-bit
machines, so the design engineers
need to know what types of processor
are going to be available and what their
capabilities will be.
Intel has found it necessary to make
its declarations as soon as possible
because others, notably Motorola and
National Semiconductor, already have
32-bit processors in the marketplace.
Theseare nowgaining design approval
among users, and the Motorola device
in particular could be a major threat to
Intel's dominant position in the person¬
al computer business.
The 68000 family has already made
inroads at both the top and bottom ends
of the market, scoring as a good engine
for Unix-based systems and as the
heart of the new generation of home/
professional machines such as the QL
and the Atari 520ST. The 32-bit version,
the 68020, could, in theory at least,
prove to be quite a threat to Intel's
position, if only because its software
compatibility across the whole product
range means that computers aimed at
very disparate market sectors can offer
similar facilities. This in turn will
provideusersand manufacturers with a
theoretical development path that in¬
corporates considerable integrity and
continuity.
All this begs an interesting and
possibly significant question: do we
really need 32-bit personal computers?
The short answer is 'yes', although
there is a considerable caveat that
should be attached to such a response.
The answer is 'yes' for technological
and applications-oriented reasons.
Technologically, 32-bit devices offer
the chance to work at much faster
processing speeds. Instead of handling
data a byte or two at a time, it can be
taken in great lumps and chewed up in
one go. This can be an advantage,
especially when number-crunching or
processing graphics, although for
many textual applications it may not be
too beneficial.
Such a device also provides the
opportunity to gain access to a much
bigger memory space within the sys¬
tem, (this is only the case if the
processor has a large number of
address lines as well as data lines).
Large memories are a crucial factor in
current personal computer design.
They allow the new range of applica¬
tions software and human interfaces to
be run, which in turn means that more
people will wantto buy a system. These
interfaces, such as Digital Research's
GEM and Microsoft's Windows, pro¬
vide a comprehensive graphics front-
end for the applications programs
which makes the programs easier to
understand and use by the non-compu¬
ter literate.
But (and this is the first of two
warnings I want to attach to the
affirmation of 32-bit systems), do the
applications most PC users work with
really need 32 bits? The graphics bits
can be clever, and if designed rightthey
can be very useful, but does the
application actually need 32 bits.
I would contend that many users can
get by quite happily with eight-bit
machines, even in a work environment
that includes word processing, spread¬
sheeting and communications work.
Let's remember in this context that the
Intel 8088 at the heart of the IBM PC is
not a 16-bit processor, but an eight-bit
device with ideas above its station.
The second caveat repeats a subject I
covered here in June, namely, different
ways of constructing computer sys¬
tems. As has been pointed out many
times before, the standard Von
Neumann computer architecture has
served us well, but is now outliving its
usefulness. A central, single processor
that is not only responsible for doing
the prime job of processing data but
also all the necessary housekeeping
tasks will always be limited in its
functional capabilities and power by
the burden of its extra duties.
The typical solution to date has been
to make the central processor ever
bigger and more powerful in the hope
that it will be able to keep pace. What
normally happens, however, is that the
housekeeping overheads increase as a
function of Parkinson's Law. A good
example of this is the current trend
towards complex graphics facilities on
applications programs, and the way
they demand and get memory and
processing power.
If Sinclair ever gets the money and
starts making the waferscale circuits of
Ivor Catt, perhaps this cycle will be
broken. Robert Maxwell might repre¬
sent the turning point. IflPl
134 PCW AUGUST 1985
AUGUST 1985 PCW135
mu/f/-fasfr/ngandffoe/asfword/'nbus/nesscompuf/ng. Commodore/s
Amigajriaybejt Guyj<ewneycqnve^ etyfavoumt^
Commodore Amiga
Come tjie revolution, there'sgoing to be the definitive micro — low-cost,
136 PCW AUGUST 19 85
I'm sure I'm in for a terrible disappoint¬
ment with the Amiga, because no
computer could quite live up to the
effect this one has already had on me.
Nonetheless, I've used it; I've asked all
the questions I can think of, and on
every count, itseemsto be the machine
I've been waiting for for the past two
years, and which the industry stolidly
refused to produce.
It does multi-tasking. It has colour. It
uses a mouse and icons. It's fast. It has
plenty of memory. It has cheap, large
capacity disks. And it costs around
$1200 (in the US) without display but
including one disk.
It has to be admitted, right at the start,
that I wouldn't have been given the
chance to assess this micro if I hadn't
been conspicuously excited about the
early rumours of what I had heard.
Commodore executives kept the
publicity lid tight closed on this really
new machine, and they succeeded to an
amazing degree. As little as a month
ago, many people who you would
expect to know about background
information were still passing around
wholly stupid rumours. And getting
official information, which I had to
have, wasn't easy.
In the end, officialdom and I played a
funny little game in which the company
would reveal a little more, and I'd make
more excited squeaks of enthusiasm,
and the company would open up a bit
more, and I'd get more excited, until we
agreed that, given my obviously posi¬
tive attitude towards the Amiga, Com¬
modore would be silly not to give me
access to the machine.
That said, I'm sure this really is the
micro I've been waiting two years for
the world to produce. This is the
business machine which any games
programmer would give his eye-teeth
to get hold of. This is the games
machine which business software wri¬
ters will be able to really make hum. And
this is the machine which users will
really love.
The Amiga isa multi-tasking micro (it
can run several programs at once). It
runs them very, very fast. It has
graphics animation in colour, not just
high-resolution pictures. It has sound
capabilities the match of most synth¬
esisers— it is Fairlight data compatible
(if that means nothing to you, read on).
It can have more useful memory than
anyonewill plug inforacoupleofyears,
and it will be expandable.
And, to cap it all, it isn't expensive. It
runs nearly 10 times as fast as the
Macintosh for less than half the price.
All we have to do now is wait for the
software to roll in. I expect itto do so, but
I have to add that other people are more
cautious about software developers'
plans.
Hardware
The Amiga is an icon micro like the
Macintosh, with a colour display,
mouse and keyboard.
The Amiga has a full-travel keyboard suitable for fast typing
AUGUST 1985 PCW137
The white system box is neat and
compact, standing on four 2in-high
feet. The top of the unit is 4.75ins above
the table, making the unit a thin 2.75ins
high. It goes back 13 inches, and the
width from left to right is 17.5ins.
The keyboard is separate and in¬
cludes cursor keys. It's a quality,
full-travel keyboard, suitable for
reasonably fast typing.
The mouse plugs into the main unit
(the same socket can take two joysticks)
and is a mechanical device, not an
optical mouse. It has two buttons to
saveelbowgrease. Foranyonewho has
used a Macintosh, it will be sufficient to
say that you use one button to pull
down a menu, and then the other button
to select various options, without let¬
ting the menu go. You don't have to pull
it down five times to change five
settings.
The 800k Sony-style (3V2in) floppy
disk drive is built in, another can be
plugged in, and two more attached if
they have their own power supplies.
There is a memory expansion slot in the
frontto take 256k, bringing memory up
to a 512k total, and the back panel
includes all the standard slits and
sockets with almost all of them capable
of doing more than you would expect.
As it stands today it is expandable
through a large interface slot, with
options including a video frame grab¬
ber, a hard disk and extra memory.
However, there is one special expan¬
sion feature planned for 'before Christ¬
mas', and that is a 5V4in disk for around
$500 or less, including IBM PC emula¬
tion. This is actually done in software.
The display can be one of a range of
Commodore devices, or a wide range of
alternatives. Commodore's own top-
of-the-range screen has very high
resolution (640x400 pixels) and will sell
for over $300 (and be well worth it), but
cheaper ones will work. It will even
drive a television. Video-out can be
RGB, RGBI (TTL level, IBM style), and
there is also 'video-in'.
The processor is a Motorola 68000
running at 8MHz. Don't make any
assumptions about performance based
on that fact, because you'll be wrong.
You'll be ignoring the work done by
three specialised chips — Daphne,
Agnus and Portia, but here's a bit of
background first before I go into those
processors in detail.
In many respects, there isn't an ideal
processor for tomorrow's micro — not
if it has to be 'symmetrical' and also
'protected'. But worse, even if you
could find a safe micro like the Intel
80286, which is very well suited for
multi-tasking, and fit it with the Motor¬
ola 68000's nice, regular 32-bit regis¬
ters, it would still have a simple
problem: it would be arranged for data
processing, not computing.
Computing involves lots of time-
The side panel has joystick and mouse ports
The back panel showing I/O ports
0 0
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wasting processesthat have N
nothing to do with the proces
sing of data. One of the most importan"
of these is displaying enough informa¬
tion for the user to know what's going
on. Daphne, Agnus and Portia handle
most of this work, leaving the central
68000 to get on with its processing.
Daphne does display animation and
sprites, Agnus does animation
graphics, and Portia is a peripheral
scheduler and interrupt handler which
also takes a lot of the disk control work.
These three chips have a shared
access to the Amiga's memory. One of
the most important functions they have
is that of 'bit blitter', an idea which (like
icons and the mouse) came out of
Xerox's Palo Alto Research Centre
(PARC) in California.
It's hard to explain a bit blitter's
performance, except to say that it's fast.
One software producer working on it
tried to compare its speed with other
machines, in terms of pixels changed
per second. He said: 'If you say that the
Sinclair QL can alter 60,000 pixels per
second, you'll find that the Macintosh
can run around twice that speed, with
110,000 pixels per second. But the
Amiga's blitter takes a microsecond to
perform anyfunction, at a million pixels
per second — and altering a single pixel
is just one of its many functions.'
A 'blitter' is bit-map image manipula¬
tor, a device which copies one large
chunk of memory into another chunk of
memory. While it is operating it doesn't
block the memory from the processor,
andthe processordoesn'tgetin itsway
as they both have direct memory access
through a multiplexer. The system
clock makes sure that first the blitter,
then the system components, can have
access to the memory on alternate
pulses.
Stripped of all this explanation, it
means that the Amiga can draw a
complex shape, fill it with colour and
move it to a different place on the screen
while changing its shape — and do it
faster than your eye can see, at many
times a second.
And all this time, your own Basic
program can be running uninterrupted,
at full speed, sorting through a data¬
base. And a complex tune can be played
on dustbin lids, all in perfect tune.
Incidentally, no-one has been able to
tell me anything definitive about the
naming of the chips, beyond the fact
that some peoplecall Portia, Paula, and
some call Daphne, Denise.
Portia (Paula) also handles the disk
control for floppy disks, which does
mean that you have to be careful, when
writing programs, not to tie the blitter
upfortoo long if you wantto read large
amounts of data into the system and
vice versa — don't tie up the diskfortoo
long if you expect to run graphics.
Agnus includes the 'bit image man-
IB
ipulator', or bimer, or blitter.
Most of its work, besides that,
involves making sure that it knows
which bit of the system memory it is
using. It has 8Mbytes to choose from,
including the 512k at the low end of
memory, used for the screen.
But it also has some parts of the
graphics control: it has the memory
logic for the sprites, including vertical
position compare logic; and it also has
the light-pen registers and the video
sync counters.
Although much of the control logic
for floppy disks is handled by Portia, the
blitter is used for transferring disk data
from disk buffers to program and data
storage in memory.
The designers were talked into
adding another feature to Agnus which
was not in the text books: the ability to
draw lines. They had the registers on
the chip, said one of the team, so why
not put line-draw logic in, too? They did,
and it draws lines faster than the Pluto
graphics machine can — without inter¬
rupting the 68000 for an instant.
Daphne is the chip which controls
colour, most of the sprite information
and most of the 'bit-plane' control.
There are five bit-planes (plus a sixth,
which is very complex to use and very
powerful) on which sprites are handled.
The sixth bit-plane is a 'hold and
modify' plane which controls the colour
of the electron beam as it scans from
Register Address Decode
Mouse Video
Ports RGB
RGA
i i
State
Buffer
(8) Register Address (8)
l-1 J ll
I J
Fig 1 Lorraine
Fig 2 Agnus
140 PC W AUGUST 1985
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BENCHTEST
side to side in the video
display. Usingthisbit-plane,
it's possibletohavesomething I
1000 colours onscreen simultaneously.
There are two types of sprite — the
Vspritesandthe Bobs. Daphnecontrols
Vsprites. These are Virtual' sprites,
which are always 16 bits wide and as
high as you care to specify. They move
fast because they are in hardware, but
there are restrictions on their use.
For really complex animation, the
Bobs (blitter objects) come into their
own. These are slower than Vsprites,
but give more colour and more options
on shape and size.
The powerofthese Vspritesand Bobs
can be gauged from thefactthat Amiga
includes, in the Basic manual, a few
lines of code that make King Kong
snatch at an aeroplane buzzing him on
top of his skyscraper, and Fay Wray
jump out of his hands into a cockpit...
and that's the simple animation
potential.
There are other types of graphic
elements (GELs) concerned with
animation. They are beyond the scope
of this review (and of this reviewer's
comprehension, frankly) but I can say
that they will allow transformations of
the sort seen in TV commercials, where
a word gradually changes shape to
become a razor or a motor car, or an
office block ...
I did my best to understand how
many sprites and bobs you can have,
and in the end found that every
restriction was meaningless. For exam¬
ple, you might think that you can have
only eight sprites because there are
eight sprite processors. But the sprite
processors are the things that draw the
sprites and not the things that keep
track of them — and furthermore, that's
only the limit per horizontal scan line!
On the next line, you can have eight
more as long as they don't interfere
with each other. And if you are prepared
to calculate what they look like going
past each other, that doesn't matter,
either.
You can always decide that you
want other sprites there, but you just
don't want the sprite processor todraw
them in for the moment. Neverthe¬
less, software will keep track of where
they are and report their collisions.
Combined with the bit-plane man¬
ipulation ability and the management
of different screen formats, plus the fact
that there are 'rasters' bigger than the
display and 'viewpoints' smaller than
the rasters, it makes working out the
limitations very difficult.
'The limitation is the size of video
. . on every count, it
seems to be the
machine I’ve been
waiting for, for
the past two years . .
memory,' said one developer. 'That's
restricted to half a megabyte.'
I suppose, in 10 years' time, that will
possibly seem restrictive, but not to a
world which regards the BBC's 32k of
screen memory as extravagant.
In addition to handling floppy disks,
the third chip, Portia, is also concerned
with sound. Theoretically there are only
four sound channels. In fact, it's almost
infinite because the sound channels
produce a waveform, not a frequency.
The sound generation of Portia is
similartothatofthe Fairlight synthesis¬
er. It stores a digitised waveform in a
section of memory, and each (stereo)
sound channel plays that waveform
back.
But it can also transform the wave¬
form. It is possible, therefore, to get a
digitised 'recording' of some sound or
other, and process it, as the Fairlight
does, to produce a whole scale of
several octaves. The sound can be a
trumpet, a clarinet, any instrument, or
an orchestra, a choir, an organ with all
the stops out, a dog barking, a bell, or
anything with a definable pitch.
The chip takes that note and deduces
all the others from it: you can hear a
piccolo playing below the 16ft organ
pipe, or a double bass playing at the
upper limits of music, or a series of
dustbin lids making beautiful harmony
with the scratch of perfectly tu ned tyres.
Speech synthesis is provided with
this sound capability, and two ways of
producing speech are offered. There is
a pair of pre-recorded voices with
American accents, male and female,
which will turn text to speech. It's quite
clever and, with software, can be
persuaded to do realisticthings such as
raise and lower inflection as sentences
are constructed.
Alternatively, there are phonemes.
These are sufficient to generate almost
any form of human speech from
Russian to Xosa with quite convincing
realism, but this does take more effort
on the programmer's part.
The Amiga's expansion connector
allowsyou to attach anythingyou liketo
the data and address lines of the
multiplexer, up to a total of 8Mbytes.
The system itself uses the other
8Mbytes of theoretical address space,
but in such a way that it wouldn't be
possible to have 8Mbytes of ROM.
Several of the address lines are used
directly for chip control.
Products to be launched with the
machine are already under develop¬
ment. The obvious ones are extra disks
(to plug in the floppy disk expansion
port) and extra memory (to go on the
expansion port).
Tecmar, the IBM peripheral add-on
specialist, is apparently planning to
launch a 20Mbyte hard disk which
includes two megabytes of RAM, plusa
real-time, battery-backed clock and a
couple of other odds and ends for
around $1000.
A genlock device is to be released by
Commodore to read video signals in off
video disk, or tape, or any video source,
and match the sync of that video with
the video display-out.
Apparently, this feature (automatic
sync) is sophisticated enough on the
bare micro: programmers report
watching football on the display screen
on which they're developing software
(to the obvious detriment of the soft¬
ware project).
The genlock allows tilting of video
frames, overlay, underlay and joint
animation, along the lines of arcade
games where a cartoon strip back¬
ground plays and computer animated
characters move around, blanking out
the background. This is all done in
hardware on the Amiga.
One other feature which the blitter
makes possible is a RAM disk. Normally
this isn't quite the advantage it might
seem, because although a RAM disk is
faster than a floppy disk (or a hard disk)
142 PCW AUGUST 1985
it normally requires the attention of the
processor.
With the blitter finding memory and
transferring its contents around,
however, the RAM disk works as
though it were a separate computer
with its own memory, just waiting to
feed information intothesystem.
System software
The Amiga's operating system is a
specially customised version of the
Cambridge Tripos operating system. It
was written for Commodore by Meta-
comco in Bristol, which licences the
software on the 68000.
The advantages of this operating
system are greater than you'd expect
from an almost totally unknown piece
of technology. Tripos, for those who
missed that bit of history, means a
three-legged stool, a stool such as
Cambridge undergraduates sat on
when taking examinations (a few cen¬
turies back). It then became the joke
name for a three-part degree at Cam¬
bridge, and because it ends in OS, was
stolen as the name for a network
operating system.
The network is the Cambridge Ring, a
token passing network of high speed
and reportedly high reliability. Tripos,
therefore, is a highly debugged system
of message passing. It assumes a
multi-tasking system, and merely pas¬
ses messages from process to process
in order of priority.
To operate Tripos, the programmer
merely has to assign priorities to the
processes in such a way as to ensure
that no low-priority process (from the
user's point of view) hogsthe machine.
AmigaDos includes Tripos, plus a
very complex structure of other bits of
system software. It's clearly beyond the
scope of a machine review to try to
provide guidelines for applications
prog rammers so I'll skimp on the highly
complex way that all the different parts
of AmigaDos talkto each other, but it is
worth covering some of the details of
what they are meant to do.
There are several unusual, innova¬
tive and powerful features of the disk
filing system, but a few basics first: the
floppy disk doesn't use sectors, but
complete tracks; there is no 'directory
track' as such; all storage 'blocks' are
message packets; and there are no
arbitrary limits to anything.
Having establishedthosefewground
facts, these are some of the implica¬
tions. The DOS is an asynchronous
filing system, suitable for a multi¬
tasking system. For every task it keeps a
buffer for the disk, and writes to the
buffer, not the disk. The buffer is in two
parts: a track cache, and within that,
block caches. Writing to the disk itself is
a low-priority task, and will in any case
wait for five seconds between buffer
write and disk update.
This does make the system vulner¬
able to power failure, in theory at least.
As far as an applications program is
concerned, if it says 'close' a file, the
DOS will report that it is closed as much
as five seconds before the closed file is
written to disk — or perhaps even
longer if another higher priority ap¬
plication is doing disk work.
However, there are safety features
built into the file structure which are
based on the requirements of message
passing. And in fact, on analysis, the
system is actually safer than a conven¬
tional system. Consider the directory of
an AmigaDos disk: the essentially
cunning feature of the filing system is
the fact that blocks do not point only to
the next block of the file. A block has a
header which points to the next blocks
in the file, and (more important) points
back to the previous block.
According the Metacomco's Tim
. . the Amiga is the first
low-cost, multi-tasking
computer, introducing
a new price level to
business computing. ’
King, who wrotethe AmigaDos, this has
one powerful advantage. 'It meansthat,
given one good block, we can recon¬
struct most of the disk. From one block
we can trace back to the core directory,
in a central track on the disk (for safety),
and from there can reconstruct all the
pointers to all other blocks.'
In writing to disk, the DOS indicates
whether a file has been modified, and
un-closed files are flagged and usable.
In contrast, of course, a disk file on a
more conventional system which was
being over-written at power-down
would be lost forever, and worse,
would be corrupted.
The drawback is that the system
doesn't pop up with a list of files when
asked to list the directory. It has to do a
search, using a hashing algorithm to
find them first, and this can take a few
seconds, with the data coming off the
disk surprisingly slowly by CP/M stan¬
dards.
Don't grumble. On CP/M or MS-DOS
directories, the contents of the direc¬
tory, if scrambled, can mean you will
never trace a single file again. The
directory is a data stream, which can be
altered by any careless programmer or
user, and has no inherent relationship
to the data on the disk at all. But on
AmigaDos, the data is the directory.
And if you use a RAM disk, the directory
listing will take microseconds.
The fact that the disk controller reads
in a whole track, without sectors, will
probably have important consequ¬
ences for copy-protection. The 'invisi¬
ble' information between sectors is
often used to confuse disk filing sys¬
tems. On this disk it's part of the data,
and that explains why a double-sided
Sony floppy can hold 880k without
speed tricks, as on the Macintosh.
Other points worth expanding on
must include the fact that there are no
arbitrary restrictions on anything. A
directory can have as many sub¬
directories as you like, and each direc¬
tory of a sub-directory can have as
many entries as you like. A directory
namecan haveupto256charactersdue
to the name pointer being eight bits
large, and that appears to be the only
restriction. A file can be as big as the
data in it: there isn't even a restriction
on how many disks a file can be
stretched over.
There are no 'types' of file. There is no
end-of-file character, for example, be¬
cause the file header blocks always
specify exactly how long a file is. There
are no 'sequential' or 'random' files —
they can all be read sequentially or
randomly.
Finally, a little quirk which I particular¬
ly like: DOS supports 'scatter loading'.
This meansthat a 100k program can be
loaded, even if there is no free block in
memory biggerthan 2k. Asthe program
is loaded, all new jumps are calculated
and inserted in the code. (This doesn't
work, incidentally, with data space,
which hasto be allocated in contiguous
blocks (unless an application is clever
Left
Audio
Output
Right
Audio
Output
DMAl
, to Agnui
DMA
R«g.
Logic
Interrupt
ID Code «■
to 68000 «
EXT.
Interrupt -
Inputs
DB
T7
Control
Logic
^ Status
^ Registers
0 to A
Conv.
0 & t
Audio
Control
Counters
Data
Registers
7S
£
TE
D to A
Conv.
2 4 3
Audio
Control
Counters
Data
Registers
VS
I Data
Sep
Pre
Comp
Disk
Control
Logic
{Data
, Registers
POT
Ports
/N /K /N
REC
trn
UART
Control
Logic
Data
Registers
Buffers
Latches
(Bl-Olr)
POT
Control
Counters
Data
Registers
Data Bus 16
Si IX
Register Address Decode 8
Fig 4 Portia
AUGUST 1985 PCW143
enough to do otherwise)
by the operating system.)
When you switch on the Amiga
it requests the 'kick-start' disk. This isn't
a permanent feature, but a way of
debugging the enormous (192k or
possibly more) amount of operating
code in ROM.
For the first six months or so, this
ROM will be supplied on disk. Com¬
modore argues that it isn't possible to
produce the Amiga in a fully tested form
without some public feedback, so the
first thing the machine will do is fill up a
special section of RAM memory with
this code, and then it will turn off the
write-enable line. The RAM will become
read-only, and, until power-off, the
code will remain there (unlike the Atari,
where pressing RESET will require the
operating system to be entirely loaded
again) until power-down.
On the screen, after kick-start, will be
a disk icon referring to the diskette you
put in memory. There will also be a
funny little icon with.nothing on it but a
1> prompt. This is the 'command line
interface' (CLI) option. Click on it with
the mouse, and it turns the machine into
an ordinary keyboard-driven micro,
working rather like a Unix, or CP/M, or
any ordinary computer system. To use
this, you have to remember the system
commands to get directories, start a
program running, examine files, copy
files, format disks, and so on.
Most users will never see this, and
will drive the system with a mouse and
the icons. But the option is there and is
important, as you will realise when I
describe the Basic.
The mouse-driven icons are collec-
tivelycalledthe'Workbench', and this is
a program which can be loaded. It is
possible to have the Workbench run¬
ning as one task alongside another
program, or several others, or
several Workbenches. All you need
is memory, and everything is optional.
The interface between application
and user is a program called Intuition.
Anyone who has seen a Macintosh
working will recognised this at once as
the way in which a programmer pro¬
vides little command boxes, little re¬
sponse gadgets, and control bars. As
with the Macintosh, Intuition can give
you the ability to change the size or
shape of a window. It gives scroll bars
and put-away slots.
In addition, however, there is a 'gas
tank' option, showing how much mem¬
ory has been used from the free space
available. There is also a new control
gadget, the above-below gadget, which
uses the hardware that keeps track oi
bit-planes. It can tell which window is
visible and which is hidden, but, unlike
normal windowing systems, this one
keeps writing to invisible windows.
For the untrained user, this is bouna
to be confusing as one assumes,
naturally, that the active window is the
one on top. But it isn't. You can have an
active input window, invisible, under¬
neath another window displaying out¬
put. Forexample, you can order a word
processorto load afile,then realiseyou
don't have the right name. You open
another window, ask for the directory,
and as the right name comes past, type
it in to the word processing window.
The Amiga is an 'open architecture'
computer, with all information avail¬
able from Commodore. Obviously
some of the manuals will be cheaper
than others, but one thing that will be
well documented is the concept of a
library.
Library functions exist in ROM, but
you can create your own. These include
all operating system control calls,
which means that if a programming
language doesn't have a feature, you
can call a library routine. If the library
routine doesn't exist, someone can
write it, or you can do it yourself with the
ADD LIBRARY call to the EXEC, which
itself does so many things that it's
easier to say what it doesn't do, and
that's any input or output. It's the
primary software module for the sys¬
tem, controlling tasks, scheduling,
memory allocation and 'devices'.
Graphics created on a prototype Graphicraft by Island Graphics.
EXEC is one of the library calls, and it
is the one which is invoked at power-up.
It's the only fixed-location routine in the
whole system.
An understanding of the power of the
EXEC is essential to the writing of
serious software for the Amiga, but I
suggest that you get the system docu¬
mentation if the idea of tasks, processes
and devices interests you. It's of purely
academic interest to the average user.
However, it is worth pointing out that no
part of the operating system or ROM
routines is essential. Apart from EXEC,
every other piece of code can be
dispensed with, and the simple boot¬
strap loader can be used to read in your
own operating code. For such things as
big games, this could save an enor¬
mous amount of memory space.
The previously mentioned command
line interpreter has several interesting
instructions which it will obey, which
aren't found on other systems. Before
listing some of these, it's worth point¬
ing out that both the Workbench and the
CLI are, like any other task, capable of
running in parallel. One of the CLI
commands is NEWCLI, which opens up
a window with a new prompt. The first
CLI window has a 1> prompt. The
second has a 2>, the third a 3>, and
so on.
ButWorkbenchescanbestartedfrom
the CLI, and CLIs from the Workbench,
too. The only restriction, as with every¬
thing else on the Amiga, is the amount
of memory you have plugged in. With
that 20Mbyte disk, plus 2Mbyte mem¬
ory coming from Tecmar, I don't expect
many business users to be short of
memory.
Commands which I like include
SEARCH, EXEC, RUN, and COPY.
SEARCH makes the question of long file
names seem almost irrelevant. You can
144 PCW AUGUST 1985
ask SEARCH to find a file in which a
word, or phrase, or pair of disconnected
words occur, almost as if you had a
database manager. It would be foolish
to search on a hard disk through all
directories as it would take a while, but it
will find it.
EXEC is the batch-file invocation.
Unlike the .BAT or .SUB files we're used
to, this includes complex IF and SKIP
commands.
RUN invokes an application as a
background task, which opens its own
window and closes it when dismissed.
To load an application normally, you'd
type its name and it would run in the
existing window.
But better than all these features is
the help ability: type a command and a
question mark, and the system will
remind you of the inputs you have to put
in and the ones you can leave out.
Therefore, "COPY?" will give you
FROM, TO/A, ALL/S, QUIET/SI, which
will need the manual for interpretation
the first time, but will be quite obvious
thereafter. It's not the same as a
pull-down menu, but it's close.
All commands, when specifying in¬
put and output, involve channel num¬
bers (Amstrad users will recognise this)
rather than hard devices. You can
specify the printer as a channel and
copy a file to it, or you can specify a
particular window and copy it there.
Tripos is a network operating system.
AmigaDos doesn't include a network
operating section, but due to its struc¬
ture, local networks of computers will
need a trivial addition to the operating
system, which already takes care of
file-locking.
However, as there is no record¬
locking feature, any Amiga network will
need a new version of the DOS, before
multi-user networks are set up. Locking
is control led down to the block level, but
for shared access, 'more granularity is
needed,' conceded Tim King at Meta-
comco. This factor appears to be a
simple oversight, and I gather it is
correctable.
Multi-tasking is a problem for most
operating systems, simply because it
takes such a long time to get it
debugged. Tripos, says Metacomco,
has been around long enough to be
stable, but is new enough not to be
outdated. I suppose, in a way, the very
fact that it wasn't rushed out for a new
micro, but bought off the shelf, allowed
the developers to mature it without the
pressure of having to deal with hun¬
dreds of thousands of angry users who
wanted Version Two.
Time alone will tell whether Amiga¬
Dos is capable of withstanding a
software crash in one application. My
cynical soul tells me it won't be in the
first week of availability that this
question isfinally answered.
Applications software
The Amiga's Basic is Digital Research's
Personal Basic. It was written for DR by
Metacomco, and has now been up¬
graded to run on this machine and
support its new features, so there are
many newcommandsyou won'tfind in
Personal Basic any more than you
would have found them in Microsoft
Basic, of which Personal Basic is
workalike.
Having said that it supports the
machine's new features, I have given all
the praise I am going to give. Microsoft,
when it launched the Basicforthe IBM,
fell into a similar trap of rushing out a
hopelessly inadequate, ill-prepared
language. The company then had to sit
down and write Advanced Basic (Basic-
A) to take advantage of the steps the
language had made since MBasic was
written. So it is with AmigaBasiC (ABC).
Its editor is ridiculous. There are ob¬
vious commands which it should have.
It is at least two years out of date, and it
isn't particularly fast.
The editor is a line editor. It's based on
the Microsoft line editor, but it leaves
out several of Microsoft's un¬
documented features. For example,
control-A on Microsoft Basic will give
you the previous command line, ready
for editing. Not here: as with the CLI,
you have to retype any command
containing errors.
Metacomco says it wants a full¬
screen editor, and will do one. I can't
wait. You can't even use the cursor keys
when editing — very strange (un¬
documented) things seem to happen.
This bug should be moved very soon.
Metacomco doesn't contest most of
these objections, and says solemnly
that this 'is the opportunity we've
wanted for some time, to develop our
Basic,' and that it is aware of what it
wantsto do. Forexample,the company
agrees that line numbers are an option
for labelling purposes, not a necessity.
It agrees that a mouse-driven machine
ought to have a mouse-driven Basic
editor, and it concedes that a system
with a real-time clock and calendar
ought to be able to read it.
The saving feature of the Basic is the
command SHELL"", into which any CLI
command can be fed. The other is the
library call command, which is avail¬
able from every language on the
system and looks infjnitely more
powerful than USR invocations. Be¬
tween these two, the full power of the
machine can be tapped from the silliest
of programming languages.
The virtue of Basic, of course, is that it
Benchmarks
B1
0.75
B2
2.07
B3
4.53
B4
4.87
B5
5.60
B6
10.39
B7
7.84
B8
11.33
All timings in seconds. Fora full listing
of the Benchmark programs, see page
185, January issue.
does give the beginner a chance to
experiment with the sound and anima¬
tion potential of the machine, but I hope
the language will be improved very
soon.
From Basic, all the Amiga's multi¬
tasking features are available to the
user; the only restriction is workspace.
However, one essential feature, if this
isn't to be a problem for entry-level
users, is control of the workspace size.
At press time, it transpired that every¬
one thought it was possible to define
the workspace, but no-one had actually
done it.
The result is a 256k system with 40k of
program space for Basic. That's irritat¬
ing. What's annoying is that if you run
four Basictasks in four windows, you'll
use up your memory because there's
no way of telling Basic that you only
need 2kfor a silly little display routine—
it gives you the full slab.
I understand that this will be cor¬
rected and Basic will get a parameter to
set the workspace size.
Languages other than Basic which
will be available for the machine at
launch (at a price) will include Meta-
comco's assembler, Borland's Turbo
Pascal, Lattice C compiler and a version
of Logo. The system is heavily C
oriented, with most of the systems
software written in that language, or
hand-coded.
As an optional peripheral, a 5V2in disk
can be plugged in. This can obviously
read IBM diskettes. What isn't obvious,
and may be regarded as over-ambi¬
tious, is a program, bundled with the
drive, that emulates an IBM PC. Com¬
modore swears that it's good — good
enough to run Lotus 1-2-3. 'It won't be a
substitute for the proper way of doing
it,' the company says, 'but if you're
working in an office with people who
have 1 -2-3 disks, at least you'll be able to
take their outlines and change bits and
put them back.'
Astonishingly, this should sell for
under $500.1 hardly dare to believe it. I
can confirm, however, that the box will
not contain an Intel 8088 chip.
At the time of writing this review, it
unfortunately wasn't possible to obtain
hands-on experience of the business
packages expected to be available at
the Amiga's launch. These packages
include an entry-level word processor
similar to MacWrite. For an entry-level
system it's reported to be quite
sophisticated, and many people have
said that it is actually the nicest editor
they've seen. I can only pass on their
opinion — unbiased because they are
not Amiga employees, but not neces¬
sarily informed because they aren't all
word processing experts.
Also available at the launch will bean
entry-level paint/draw package. This is
said to work at many times the speed of
MacPaint, and it should, shouldn't it? A
music synthesiser program, a speech
control and editing program, and a
spreadsheet are also expected. A data¬
base, however, is still 'an area of
AUGUST 1985 PCW145
mm
weakness/ say the develop¬
ers, and they are negotiating
for one. Communications software 55
is also likely. (None of these packages
will be bundled in with the price.)
Games are also on the horizon,
despite the fact that at $1200 minus the
type of colour display you really need to
appreciate this machine, you might
think that it wouldn't really be used for
games. Software producers aren't so
sure of this. I've spoken to people who
are doing games, and are simply totally
wrapped up in the glory of what is
possible.
The fact of the matter is that no games
producer could resist the challenge or
the opportunities offered by Amiga,
and I expect them to come thick and fast
in a year'stime, when there should be a
half million or so Amigas being used in
the US.
Similarly, new types of soft¬
ware should appear. When the
Macintoshfirstarrived, people laughed
at the idea of a mouse. The Amiga does
so many things so much faster, with so
much more detail and with the added
advantage of colour, that I expect it to
generate similar innovation.
I expect to see much more sophisti¬
cated programs, too, because of the
multi-tasking ability and because most
business users will have 20Mbytes of
disk and 2.5Mbytes of RAM, within a
year. Integration becomes less impor¬
tant when you have multi-tasking, and
individual word processing, spread¬
sheet, comms and other ideas pack¬
ages can be more virtuoso in their
design. A talking word processing
package is an obvious start. . .
Technical specifications
Processor:
ROM:
RAM:
Mass storage:
Keyboard:
Size:
I/O:
Dos:
Bundled software:
Motorola 68000 at8MHzclock
192k, possibly 256k
256k minimum, expandableto8Mbytes
Internal 800kfloppy, 3 V 2 in. External options include
another800kfloppy using system power, andtwo more
with exterior power. Hard disksf it on expansion slot
Full-travel qwerty with cursor keys
4.75inshigh x 17.5inswide x 13insdeep
Serial, parallel, video out and in, stereo sound, mouse
Tripos, called AmigaDos
Basic, Dos, Exec, no applications peripherals. Colour
printerssupported, video disk interface available
In perspective
The Amiga, at $1500 fora colour system, is obviously going to be a business
machine first and foremost. Its massive memory capacity means that people
with $3000 to spend will do so, getting a machine which spending $6000 on
an IBM wouldn't match, and which comfortably out-performs the
Macintosh.
Anyone who is comparing this with the Atari 520ST will quickly decide that
the only reason for buying the Atari is the price. If you can afford the Amiga,
that is the one you will want.
For the next six months, the Macintosh will have the clear advantage of a
growing and impressive software base. However, the news from within
Apple indicates a level of unjustified complacency about the Mac. The Fast
Mac has been postponed; the Colour Mac, due out in February, is no longer
being developed; and the Hard Mac, due in September, is also on ice.
This is not the time for Apple to go to sleep. The Amiga has the price*
advantage. It is an open architecture machine, onto which anyone can attach
anything. All the system calls will be published, and it is nearly 10 times as
fast and has genuine multi-tasking, which the Macintosh won't have for at
least another 18 months.
The only other problem Amiga faces is: can IBM tart up the PC 11 and the
AT, with windowing and icons, in time to match its facilities? The theoretical
answer is yes, but in practice, is there any sign of it? IBM is fiddling around
with TopView, which isn't even as good as the small-time Desq and doesn't
have graphics. It grows each time I hear about it, and gets slower and slower.
Microsoft Windows on the PC is Microsoft's watershed — the time has
come to put up or shut up. It may pose a serious threat, but it doesn't have the
raw computing power or even a fraction of it. Perhaps it will be good enough
to keep users loyal, but will it attract new ones?
In the end, it comes down to innovation. The Amiga does things that other
micros can't do. In the past, the computer market has always shown that
genuine innovation creates new sub-markets, and I'll be astonished if the
Amiga doesn't do exactly that — and many of them.
Although there are few instant simi¬
larities between the Macintosh and the
Amiga, both do use the 68000 and have
high-level languages. I expect to see
best-selling Macintosh programs com¬
ing onto the Amiga within weeks of its
availability. Even programmers who
have held aloof because of the non¬
disclosure requirements imposed by
Commodore admit that it would nor¬
mally take a matter of weeks, not
months, to transfer new Macintosh
programsto the new machine. I believe
them.
Documentation
I hate to duck out of the important
question of documentation, but so little
was ready when I did the Benchtestthat
I don't feel I can honestly express an
opinion. What I did see was lucid and
helpful, but I think there's scope for
books on the machine.
Prices
As the European version of the video
chip isn't ready, the machine won't be
available in Europe until January 1986.
It isn't just a question of getting output
to TV, but of getting input from the
European video sources; this makes a
PAL interface essential.
Traditionally, Commodore has
priced in Europe along similar lines to
the US. The machine is made entirely in
the Far East and all the development
work is paid for, so there isn't any real
need to expect UK prices to be different
from American ones. We can expect a
naked, 256k system with a built-in disk
but no display to sell for around £1000
— roughly comparable with the price of
the Apricot FI.
The add-on memory should sell for
£150 for 256k. The add-on Sony disks
should be priced around the same, at
£150. The Tecmar hard disk, at $1000,
will probably cost around £1000 in the
UK. At press time, software prices were
still being fought about in California,
and your guess is as good as mine.
The plan is to have the review model
as just the first of a range of Amiga
machines, and it looks likely that the
price of this one will drop as the bigger
ones appear — but that's some way in
thefuture.
Conclusion
Although the Basic Benchmarks don't
prove it, this machine runs upwards of
10 times the speed of any of its rivals. It
adds hardware animation, video input,
and stereo sound synthesis, including
speech, to the icon-and-mouse family
of designs which the market has come
to expect, and offers it all at a price less
than half of that of the competition.
To close as I began, the Amiga is the
first low-cost, multi-tasking computer,
introducing a new price level to busi¬
ness computing. mri
146 PCW AUGUST 1985
The world didn't need
another portable.
Just a better one.
The Bondwell 2 is a truly portable computer that offers
instant computing power when you’re on the move.
And it offers some pretty remarkable features.
Small, light, powerful.
The Bondwell 2 is a 64K RAM portable that is the size
of an attache case and weighs just 5.5 Kg. The fold-up LCD
screen offers 80 characters x 25 lines with a brilliant
resolution of 640 x 200. It also tilts 0° — 180° to offer the
best viewing angle in all light conditions.
There's also a built-in 3Vz" microfloppy disk drive with a 360K formatted capacity.
So you get maximum software flexibility without the limitations of built-in ROM programs
on most portables.
And because the Bondwell 2 has a CP/M 2.2 operating system you have access to
a huge library of business programs.
Five top programs are offered free with the Bondwell 2 — WordStar. Mailmerge.
DataStar. CalcStar and Report Star. As well a “Scheduler Plus” program is yours, free, for
better organisation of executive time.
Features. Features. Features.
Other Bondwell 2 features include a full-stroke keyboard with 8 user-defined function
keys; ports for data transmission, printer and a second disk drive; expansion slots for
modem, ROM/RAM card; a built-in battery which gives 8 hours of continuous use with
each recharge.
The Bondwell 2 Portable.
Heavy in features. Light in weight.
And equally light on the pocket
AT £1575
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Tel: Bristol (0272) 213928
Attractive trade discounts are available.
Dealer enquiries welcome.
PROGRAMMING
Function follows form, as functional programming takes up where structured
programming^ leaves off. David El worthy presents some Basic examples.
One of the peculiarities of Basic is that it
is not really a single language at all, but
a large and diverse family of dialects.
Although this has some bad consequ¬
ences, for example the lack of portabil¬
ity, there are compensations. Desig¬
ners of new Basics can freely include
good ideas from other languages by
just bolting them onto the basic
framework ratherthan having to create
a complete language from scratch. The
most important example of this is the
inclusion of structuring which took off
with BBC Basic.
The concept of structuring has been
around since the 1960s, when the likes
of Dijkstra and Wirth began to look at
programming style. Their aim was to
trade off execution speed against the
ease of understanding and debugging
programs, and their work led to such
principles as top-down design, block
structuring andtheabolition of GOTOs.
Structured programming caught on,
and most modern general-purpose
languages draw on such ideas.
But structured programming still has
its problems, and there is at present
research going on into a new type of
programming, called 'functional prog¬
ramming', to further improve style.
This is a rather speculative look at some
of the new principles, and how they
might be added into Basic. A number of
the ideas can be simulated using a
structured Basic, and I'll show how this
can be done using BBC Basic as an
example. Programs using this kind of
simulation are rather inefficient, but I
hope to illustrate just how clever and
versatile functional programming is.
No more variables
Functional programming abolishes
variables, and the obvious question is:
'Why bother?'. The problem with vari¬
ables is one of scope: that is, knowing
when they exist. In order to be able to
understand what is happening in a
program, it is useful to know exactly
what any part of it does in terms of the
effects and results it produces when
certain values are applied to it. This is
simply not possible in most languages
because of what is called the 'side
effects' problem. An example of this is a
procedure which uses variables that are
not mentioned in the arguments, poss-
x * FNfactonal (x
1 )
>LIST
10REM Program la - non functional factorial
20 X » 5
30factorial » 1
4OFOR I « 2 TO Xi factorial * factorial * Is NEXT 1
50PRINT factorial
>
>RUN
120
>
>
>
>L 1ST
10REH Program lb - functional factorial
20PRINT FNfactorial(5)
30END
40
50DEFFNfactorial<x): IF x < 2 THEN « 1 ELSE
>
>RUN
120
>
>
>
>
>L I ST
10REM Program 2 — a more complex functional program
20PRINT FN1 eft insert ("B H , M ACD")
30END
40
50DEFFN1ef tinser t(char *,into* >
60 IF ASC(char*) <® ASC(into*) THEN - char* + into*
70 » LEFT*(into*,1) + FNrightinsert(char*, MID*(into*,2)>
80
90DEFFNrightinsert(char*,into*)
100 IF ASC(char*) >» ASC(RIGHT*(into*,1)) THEN » into* ♦ char*
110 = FN1eftinsert(char*, LEFT*(into*, LEN(into*> - 1)) + RIGHT*<into* i>
>
>RUN
ABCD
>
>
>
>
>LIST
10REM Program 3 - functional Hanoi program
20PRINT FNhanoi (4,’*a", ,, b H ,“c")
30END
40
50DEFFNhanoi(n,a*,b*,c*>
60 IF n=0 THEN ELSE “FNhanoi(n-1,a*,c*,b*> +CHR*( 13) +CMR*(10)+"From
to "<-b*+FNhanoi (n-1 ,c*,b*,a*) a * +
>
>RUN
From a to c
From a to b
From c to b
From a to c
From b to a
From b to c
From a to c
From a to b
From c to b
From c to a
From b to a
From c to b
From a no c
From a to b
From c to b
>LIST
1 OREM Program 4a - IF in functional style
20INPUT x,y
30PRINT FNif("FNequal(x,y)", "SQRix)", "EXP<y>”)
40REM i.e. if x-y, print the square root of s, else print-
50END nrint e to the power y
60
70DEFFNif(cond*,then*,else*) - EOAL(EVAL(EOAL(cond*> + «(then*,else*)”))
90DEFFNt r ue(a*,b* > « a*
lOODEFFNfalse(a*,b*> - b*
110
Fig 1 Programs la, 1b, 2,3,4a, 4b, 5a and 5b
148 PC W AUGUST 1985
Fig 1 continued
120REM Now a typical conditional. This uses the numeric values o-f
130REM true <~1) and false (0) to make 0 or 1 copy of each string
140DEFFNequal <a,b) * STRING*!-<a=b> , "FNtrue" > +STRING* < 1 + <a=b> , "FN-f al se" )
>
>RUN
72.1
2»71828183
--RUN
? 2,2
1.41421356
>
>
N.
>
>LIST
10REN Program 4b - IF in functional style
20INPUT x,y
30PRINT FNif CFNequal (x f y> *Vx+y tt , "FNi f < ""FNequal (x ,0) "" , ** “SQR (y) " “, M,, EXP(y> "
M ) •*)
40REM i.e. if >:«y, print +y; otherwise, if x-0, print sqr(y) f else print exp
(y)
50END
60
65REM The rest is the same as 4a
70DEFFNif(condf,then*,el set) * EVAL<EVAL(EVAL<cond*) «• "(then*,else*)">)
80
90DEFFNtrue(a*,b*> - a*
1OODEFFNf a1se < a*,b*) » b*
110
120REM Now a typical conditional. This uses the numeric values of
130REM true <-l> and false <Q) to make 0 or 1 copy of each string
140DEFFNequal <a,b> « STRING*(-(a*b),-FNtrue"> +STRING*(l+(««b), **FNfalse")
>RUN
72.2
4
■ RUN
70.2
1.41421356
>RUN
•>2 l
2.71828183
>
>
>LIST
10REM Program 5a - lazy evaluation
20REM >< means pair
30PRINT FNlazy (” XFNintegers (0) " >
40END
50
60DEFFN1azy(a*)
70 IF a*» , “’ THEN °
00 PRINT LEFT* <a* , INSTR < a* , ’*X H > - 1>
90 - FNlazy(EVAL(MID*(a*, INSTR(a*, “><“> +2)))
100
1 lODEFFNi ntegers (start’/.) « STR* (start’/.) + " XFNintegers (" + STR* (start*/. + 1) +
*') "
>
>
>L 1ST
1OREM Program 5b - lazy evaluation without tail recursion
20REM >< means pair
30PRINT FNlazy (" XFNintegers(0) ’*)
40END
50
60DEFFN1azy(a*)
70 IF a*** 1 " THEN «*•“
80 PRINT LEFT* (a*, INSTR (a*, *•><“> - 1)
90 a* » EVAL (MID* (a*, INSTR (a*, •*><”> +2)): GOTO 70
100
1 lODEFFNi ntegers (start*/.) * STR* (start*/.) ♦ " XFNi ntegers ( " ♦ STR*(startX + 1) *
H,
>
ibly changing their value. When this is
allowed, two calls of the procedure may
give different results, even though the
procedure call is the same. (For exam¬
ple: given DEFPROCnasty (x): A = A +
1: PRINT A: ENDPROC, then A = 0 :
PROCnasty (0) : PROCnasty (0) prints 1
and then 2: that is, PROCnasty (0) is not
equal to PROCnasty (0)!)
In structured programming, you can
get round this by making sure all
variables are either declared as local or
are function parameters, but many
languages don't force you to do this so
the loophole is used either by accident
or as a result of laziness.
It is often easy to remove variables
from a program. Programs la and 1b
(Fig 1) show the factorial function
written in two styles: the first is
conventional and uses variables; the
second is purely as a function and
doesn't, x in Program 1 b may look like a
variable, but might more accurately be
called a parameter as it doesn't vary
once it has acquired a value in the
function call. Asthefunction parameter
is distinct from anything else with the
same name (even in a different call of
the same function), it is safe from side
effects.
Program 2 is a functional program
which tries to insert char$ into the
ordered string into$ by chopping each
end off it in turn (there are better ways of
doing this). Again, there are no assign¬
ments. What each function does is to
either yield a definite value or to invoke
another function (this is where the
name'functional programming'comes
from). The action of the program as a
whole is just a call to a single function,
which in turn calls others, and so on,
until something comes up with a
definite answer which can be passed up
to higher levels.
There is an interesting consequence
of this. Program 3 (Fig 1) is a function to
solve the well-known Towers of Hanoi
problem. a$, b$and c$arethe namesof
thetowers, and n isthe number of discs
which are initially all on tower 'a'. The
program lists what moves to make, but
it doesn't produce any output at all until
it has worked out the whole of the
answer. With the simple style of func¬
tional programming given so far there
is no way round this, which is a bit of
nuisance — no interactive programs,
for example, as you don't see the
prompts, and so on, until the end.
IF...THEN...ELSE
With a small addition, this style can be
transformed into a remarkably power¬
ful technique. For example, here's how
the construct IF...THEN...ELSE could be
added to functional Basic if the designer
of the language had not included it.
The key is to allow a function to
supply the name of another function as
its result; the result can then be applied
to further arguments. To do this, we
need some means of invoking evalua¬
tion of a function, and BBC Basic
provides this by means of EVAL. In real
functional programming languages,
the evaluation is often automatic; Lisp
takes a similar approach.
Program 4a (Fig 1) usesthefunctional
'if'. For this we require a set of
conditional functions, of which
FNequal is an example; these return the
name of a function as their result. FNif
can then evaluate the condition, and
EVALs the result of it applied to the
arguments then$ and else$. The result
of doing this is evaluated one more
time, so that the then and else para¬
meters can themselves be functions (in
fact, anything at all, except string
constants). An interesting point is that
true and false, which are normally
thought of as values, are nowfunctions,
albeit rather simple ones which just
choose one of their arguments.
This form of if statement is complete¬
ly general. then$ and else$ could
themselves be if functions, or contain
EVALs so that evaluation can be nested
to any depth. Program 4b (Fig 1) is an
example.
You mightliketo see what other parts
of Basic can be thrown away using a
similar approach. Real functional prog¬
ramming languages have very few
built-in constructs.
Lazy evaluation
It is rather restrictive to have to wait
until all the functions have been fully
evaluated before producing the result.
Not only does it eliminate interaction,
but it could also meanthatthe program
runs out of memory because of all the
output that has to be saved until the
program has finished.
A solution to this is to use what is
called 'lazy evaluation'. (The opposite
case, that is, evaluating everything, is
called 'strict evaluation'.) Here, what
we do is work out just as much as is
necessary to print the first part of the
result, and keep a record of whatthere is
AUGUST 1985 PC W149
PROGRAMMING
Letrec histoline == Int n «> Char c -> List[Char]:
If (n=0)
Then n, n w
Else c :: histoline (n-1) c
Fi;
Letrec histogram == List(Int] sizes -> Char symbol -> Int max -> List [Char]:
If null sizes
Then histoline max ’=
Else append (histoline (head sizes) symbol)
(histogram (tail sizes) symbol
(If ((head sizes) > max)
Then head sizes
Else max
Fi))
Fi;
histogram (5 :: 10 :: 3 :: 17 :: 6 :: 1 :: 4) ** 0
Fig 2 Program 6
left to do by passing around the name of
a function and some arguments as
before. In functional programming lan¬
guages, this is normally done by
defining some functions to be lazy and
having an output routine that can spot
unevaluated objects. The routine is
then supplied with a pair of items, of
which the second is only evaluated
when the result of the first has been
printed. The function that makes pairs
can then be lazy.
Program 5a (Fig 1) shows how to do
lazy evaluation in functional additions
to Basic. FNIazy expects its argument to
have the form:
''something-to-be-printedxnext-
thing-to-do"
where >< means 'pair'. If the first part
of this is null, we stop. The program
shows howto use this by producing the
infinite list of natural numbers within
the limits of the range of integers
allowed.The print command isa bit of a
cheat as it isn't a function, but unfortu¬
nately there's no easy way round this.
(Input could be made functional by
using GET$.)
The one remaining difficulty with
FNIazy is that BBC Basic does not allow
very deep recursion, so it soon gives a
'no room' error. This kind of recursion
(known as tail recursion) frequently
occurs, and can be eliminated as shown
in Program 5b (Fig 1). Unfortunately,
this violates both the 'no GOTOs' rule
and the 'no variables' rule, although
both are actually quite safe — the
variable is known to be local and the
GOTO is short-scope.
Many structures and functional prog¬
ramming languages specifically look
for tail recursion and internally trans¬
late it into a construct like this. That way,
the programmer isn't breaking the rules
and the system can work efficiently.
You could now rewrite the Hanoi
program using lazy evaluation and a
functional IF.
Referential transparency
Referential transparency can't be easily
written into Basic. It is never doing the
same thing twice: that is, if at some
stage you have evaluated a function
with certain arguments and you then
come to the same instance again, rather
than work out the result a second time,
you just look it up from before. This is
not always possible to do completely,
but the general approach is as follows.
The application of a function to some
arguments is represented as values
sitting around in memory. When
anotherfunction wants the result of it, it
looks at that area of memory and sees
that the function has not yet been
evaluated. Having carried out the eva¬
luation, as well astaking the result away
for its own use, it replaces the contents
of that area of memory with the result,
and an indication that it has already
been evaluated. Next time something
wants the result of that particular
function application, it need only look
up the result.
The two calls to the function must
know that they are the same, otherwise
there are simply two identical applica¬
tions at different places in memory.
This is where the main problem in
implementing referential transparency
arises — spotting when things will be
‘Structured programming
caught on, and most
modern general-purpose
languages draw on such
ideas. But structured
programming still has its
problems . .
the same.
Another difficulty is the input func¬
tion. We don't want GET$ (or whatever)
to have this kind of transparency: if it
did, it would keep on giving back the
character it had read the first time it was
called. An elegant solution is to repre-
senttheinputasan infinitely long list of
characters, using a similar method to
that for the infinite list of numbers in
Program 5 (Fig 1). The program can
manipulate the list freely, but the
system need only read as much of it as is
necessary to get to the character that is
needed. The remainder can just be a
reference to a function which gets more
input (and which is hidden from the
user).
The final program is written in a real
functional programming language (see
Program 6 (Fig 2)). It is written in
Ponder, a language developed at Cam¬
bridge.
The program prints a histogram with
line lengths taken from the list of
numbers in the last line, together with
an axis equal in length to the longest
line. The only parts of this which are
built into Ponder are the constructs
Letrec, and functions such as head, null
and >. The rest is defined in Ponder
itself (in a separate prelude).
Conclusion
There are several aspects of functional
programming languages which I can-
notdescribe in detail here. Forexample,
functional programs should be amen¬
able to theoretical analysis of whether
they are correct, without the need to run
the program on all possibleforms of the
data. Another intriguing idea is that of
using them on multiple processor
systems: you let a separate processor
loose on each function (at some level),
and combine their results when they
have finished._
Thanks to Jon Fairbairn for his (unwit¬
ting) help in the preparation of this
article. fI7TT|
150 PCW AUGUST 1985
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/s itworth buying a PC/A T lookaljke ? PeterBrightweighs up the respective
nrwjjtsofthefaeCompaqDesktop286^ndjdentifiessonr^
distinguishing^ features thatsetthem apartfrom other PC-compatibles.
Whatever happened to the IBM PC/AT?
When it was launched it looked like a
nice machine — it may even have been
good value for money. Then we began
to hear stories about hard disks that
kept dying, and now IBM is said to be
rationing dealers.
All this has got to such a stage that
PCWs editor is now having paranoid
thoughts about the AT being in some
way a hoax by IBM to fool the compati¬
ble manufacturers. If that's true, then
the subjects of this Benchtest had better
start worrying . ..
Kay pro 286i
Hardware
The 286i is very much an AT lookalike,
the main difference being that where
the PC/AT is cream, the Kaypro is black.
152 PCW AUGUST 1985
The main system unit is very large —
too large, I would say, for the average
desk. For this reason, Kaypro has
provided extra-long monitor and
keyboard leads so that you can place
the main system box next to your desk
rather than on top of it.
The main system box is constructed
entirely of metal with none of the plastic
facings of the Compaq or the PC/AT.
This construction gives it a very square
look which is only offset by a strip of
rubber ribbing which runs along the
joint between the top cover and the
front panel.
The front panel itself is very reminis¬
cent of the PC/AT. To the right-hand side
are two half-height 5V4in floppy disk
drives, and to the left-hand side is a lock
and LEDs indicating power-on and hard
disk access. The latter is included
whether or not you have a hard disk
fitted.
The lock is a copy of the type fitted to
the PC/AT. You can disable the master
keyboard to stop any unauthorised
access to the machine. Unfortunately,
unlike the PC/AT, it is perfectly possible
to remove the lid and bypass the key
even when the system is locked. This
isn't possible on the AT because the lid
is locked in place when you disable the
keyboard.
The rear panel is also like that on the
PC/AT, even down to the little plastic
panel you can stick on to make it look
nicer. To the left-hand side are power in
and out, in the middle is a DIN socket for
the keyboard, and to the right-hand side
are removable covers for the eight
expansion slots.
On the review machine two of these
expansion slots were visible: one for
colour video output, and one for a
parallel printer and an RS232 port. The
latter is extremely annoying because it
uses a cut-down 9-pin D socket rather
than the conventional 25-watt D plug.
This means that none of the standard
RS232 leads will fit.
Getting insidethe Kaypro is achieved
in exactly the same way as any IBM or
compatible. You remove the five
screws holding on the lid and then slide
it off.
Inside there is a fair amount of empty
space. To the right at the front are the
cages to hold the floppy disk drives and
the hard disk or disks. If a hard disk is
fitted, it will be hidden from the user by
the front panel as on the PC/AT.
To the right at the back is a very large
fully-encased power supply/fan unit.
The fan was quite noisy during the test
and was certainly distracting in a quiet
room. It also audibly slowed down
when the disk drives were in operation.
To the left of the power supply is a
rechargeable battery pack providing
power for the on-board clock/calendar.
The digital circuitry lives to the left
and along the bottom of the main unit.
The motherboard takes up three-
quarters of the bottom of the casing;
this houses the main Intel 6MHz 80286
processor, RAM, ROM, TTL logic cir-
The Kaypro 286i resembles that of the PC/AT, but is less solid
cuitry and eight expansion slots.
In its Kaypro implementation, the
80286 chip has sprouted a large heat
sink on its back which I haven't seen on
othermachines, but it can't hurt. Nextto
the 80286 is a socket for an 80287 maths
co-processor should you need it.
The review machine was supplied
with 512k of RAM made up of 18 256kbit
chips giving 512k with parity. Sockets
are provided on the motherboard
which allowthe RAM to be increasedto
640k by plugging in a further 18 64kbit
RAM chips.
Almost all the chips on the mother¬
board were socketed. This is very
unusual for a modern mass-produced
machine due to the extra cost, but it
does make it easier to replace faulty
chips.
Of the eight full-length expansion
slots, six are PC/AT-compatible en¬
hanced slots and the remaining two are
standard IBM PC slots. The basic
system uses three slots, leaving five for
future use. Of the three that are in use,
one is taken by a half-length colour
graphics card, one by a half-length
parallel/serial card, and the third by a
disk controller card.
The disk controller card is the only
one to make use of the full addressing
and data path provided by the en¬
hanced PC/AT slots. This one card
controls both hard disks and floppy
disks, including the 1.2 Mbyte disks
used in the PC/AT.
The review machine was supplied
with twin 1.2 Mbyte 5V4in floppy disk
drives, which use the same special
disks as the PC/AT. Although Kaypro
makes no guarantees about the drive's
ability to write 360k IBM PC disks, I had
no problems reading or writing to that
format. Hard disks are not yet available.
As you would expect, the keyboard
on the 286i is a straight copy of that on
the IBM PC/AT; the main difference
being thatthe quality of construction is
generally lower than that on the AT. It
connects to the main unit via a long
coiled cable and a DIN plug.
The main qwerty typing area takes up
most of the space on the keyboard. On
the left-hand side are 10 programmable
function keys, and on its right-hand side
are a combination numeric keypad and
editing/cursor keys. In the top right-
The rear panel on the Kaypro 286i is identical to that of the PC/AT
AUGUST 1985 PC W153
hand corner of the key
board are three LEDs to
indicate CAPS LOCK, NUM
LOCK and SCROLL LOCK.
The main good and bad points of the
Kaypro keyboard are exactly the same
as for the PC/AT. On the plus side, the
RETURN key is now nice and big, and
the 7' key has been moved from beside
the 'Z'. On the minus side, the combina¬
tion of numeric keypad and cursor keys
isstill a mess, andthe positioning of the
ESCAPE key with the numeric area is
plain silly.
The main criticism of the Kaypro
keyboard is the quality of construction.
While nothing actually fell off, it just
didn'tfeel assolidasthelBM or even the
Compaq unit.
The only problem I had with the
keyboard was that it would sometimes
mysteriously return upper-case letters
instead of lower-case. The only way out
wasto hit CAPS LOCK which returned it
to lower-case! Then, equally myster¬
iously, the fault would clear and I would
have to release CAPS LOCK. I never did
find out why this was happening.
The review machine was supplied
with Kaypro's own colour monitor, but
unfortunately the review unit came
from the US and needed a 110-volt
transformerwhich caused somescreen
flicker. Obviously, 240-voltunitsshould
be better.
The monitor itself is rather large and
very deep, and takes up quite a lot of
space. The front houses an on/off
switch and controls for brightness,
contrast and display centring. Under¬
neath is a little bar which can be locked
down to tilt the display at an angle.
Although the display from the moni¬
tor is quite good, no attempt has been
made to make the screen anti-reflec-
tive. As far as graphics resolution is
concerned, the story is justthe same as
for an IBM PC with a colour graphics
card.
System software
Now here's a new idea. You've just
bought your nice new Kaypro 286i, you
open the box and discoverthatto make
it work, you've got to go to your nearest
IBM dealer and ask him to sell you a
copy of PC-DOS version 3.0. Fun, huh?
Really, things aren't quite as bad as
that. In the UK, the Kaypro will be
supplied with MS-DOS version 2.11 as
used by PC compatibles. This will at
least get you going, but for AT compati¬
bility you will have to buy PC-DOS
version 3.0.
When you boot up the system, it
transpires that none of the system
software can be attributed to Kaypro.
The ROM-based BIOS routines were
written by Phoenix Software Associ¬
ates and sold to Kaypro. These ROM
routines are popular among compati¬
ble manufacturers; theWyse PC,Tandy
The Compaq Desktop 286 keyboard has a more positive feel than the Kaypro
100 and Commodore PC10 all use the
Phoenix routines.
The only piece of software attribut¬
able to Kaypro was a system set-up
utility to set the system parameters in
the machine's battery-backed CMOS
RAM. The utility allows you to set the
clock and tell the system about disk
drives, hard disks, display drivers, and
soon. It also lets you tell the system how
much RAM it has (up to a maximum of
15Mbytes!).
The operating system is identical to
that on the PC/AT, right down to the
documentation. (The AT was reviewed
in PCW, December 1984.)
Applications software
It's difficult to talk about applications
programs in any depth. To the best of
my knowledge, no-one has released an
applications program specifically for
the PC/AT, so I am restricted to describ¬
ing software compatibility with the IBM
PC rather than with the PC/AT.
In these terms, the Kaypro 286i ran
everything I expected it to. It ran Lotus
1-2-3, SuperCalc 3.2 and the rest. It
didn't run Flight Simulator, but then
neither will the PC/AT (something to do
with a bug in the 8088 which has been
removed in the 80286, but which was
used by Flight Simulator).
As with all Kaypro machines, the 286i
comes with bundled applications soft¬
ware included in the price. Inthiscase it
is the MicroPro range, consisting of
WordStar, Mailmerge, CalcStar, Info-
Star and a menu-building package
called Starburst. GW-Basic is also
included in the package. If you look at
the Benchmark timings, you will see
that the Kaypro is marginally faster than
the PC/AT.
Documentation
The Kaypro 286i came with a boxful of
manuals. This was most impressive
until I looked closer and found that all
barone were manualsforthe MicroPro
applications programs and for GW-
Basic.
The manual that referred to the
machine was a scrawny-looking spiral-
bound affair containing just 32 pages. I
did find the manual quite useful, but I'm
not sure how helpful it would be to a
beginner.
Prices
The review system will sell for about
£4136. A stripped-down version is also
The Compaq rear panel has a power supply socket for the Compaq monitor
154 PCW AUGUST 1985
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£260 Canon PW1080160CPSI27)
£260 SmithCorona D200
£360 SmithCorona D300 (WIDE)
CALL Epson LX 100
£299 Juki 6100 20CPS
£799 Olivetti DY45045CPS
£549 Olivetti DY25025CPS
Brother HR15 l3cp$
£209 QuenData iscps
Canon LaserJet
hp LaserJet soocps
HPThinkJet isocps (50db)
Crestmatt packages
may be reconfigured to
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contracts are available
CRESTMATT CHALLENGE YOU
TO FIND A BETTER DEAL
Crestmatt Limited
67a York Street (Baker St)
London wih 1PQ
01.4021254/5
01.723 4699
export and
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telex 265871 (MONREFG)
quote ref 8i:DRG0i5
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to all prices
BENCHTEST
available with just one
1.2Mbyte disk drive, 512k
of RAM, a keyboard and GW-
Basic for £2675.
If you want to buy any hardware
add-ons, these will be sold by SoftSel
rather than by Kaypro direct.
Compaq Deskpro 286
Hardware
How about this specification for a
modern desk-top micro: fast 8MHz
80286 processor, 2Mbytes of RAM, a
1.2Mbyte floppy disk, 30Mbyte hard
disk and a 10Mbyte tape streamer —
and all in a box smallerthan the Kaypro
286i.
Unlike the Kaypro 286i, the Compaq
Deskpro 286 bears little physical re¬
semblance to the IBM PC/AT. It does,
however, look very like the Deskpro,
which is Compaq's IBM PC clone.
The Deskpro 286 can't be described
as an attractive machine. The main
casing is cream-painted metal with a
plastic and rubber front panel, and
various disk drives and streamers poke
out of the front.
On the review machine, working
from right to left, there is a full-height
hard disk which looks like it should be
removable but isn't, a half-height flop¬
py disk drive, and a half-height micro
tape streamer unit.
On the left is the keyboard-disabling
lock which is a Yale-style lock that locks
on the lid as well as disabling the
keyboard. Finally on the front panel is a
DIN socket for the keyboard connec¬
tion.
The rear panel is just as boring as on
the PC/AT but is laid out slightly
differently. To the left is a power unit
and on/off switch. In the middle are lots
of ventilation slots, and to the right are
the obligatory eight expansion plates.
The Compaq also has a power output
DIN socket designed specifically forthe
Compaq monitor which was supplied
with the machine.
Of the expansion plates, two were
visible in use: onefor video output, and
one for a parallel printer port and a
cut-down RS232 port.
Getting inside the Compaq is more
entertaining than getting into the Kayp¬
ro. The manual tells you to remove the
three retaining screws, but forgets to
tell you which of the eight screws on the
back panel these are.
Removing the screws isfun. Compaq
uses a special type of security screw
which you really need a special screw-
driverfor. However, with a bit of effort, a
flat-bladed screwdriver will do the job.
After I had taken out the screws, I found
that I had overlooked the special
screwdriver supplied by Compaq!
When you have removed the lid, you
can get at the inner workings of the
Compaq. The immediate impression is
that it looks more like a cat's
cradle of wires than the Kaypro;
the second impression is of very stout
engineering.
About three-quarters of the front of
the Compaq is taken up by a very
stout-looking cage designed to house
the disk drives, streamers and hard
disks, all mounted on substantial rub¬
ber isolation mountings. It's the first
time I've seen it done in this way, and it
does mean that your delicate hard disk
and floppy disks are as well insulated
from shock as possible.
Behind the disk cage is the fully-
encased power supply unit with a large
fan set in the top.
The design of the digital electronics is
slightly different from that of the
Kaypro or the PC/AT. The motherboard
is quite small — about a third of the
available floor area. The reason it is so
small is that it only houses the main
processor, the discrete logic and con¬
troller circuitry, and the expansion
slots. Memory is on an expansion card.
Although there are eight expansion
slots, one is behind the disk cage and
therefore only suitable for a half-length
board. All the memory and outside-
world communication is handled by
add-on cards.
Unlike the Kaypro, most of the chips
on the Compaq motherboard are sol¬
dered directly to the PCB rather than
socketed. The main processor is the
Intel 80286 (as used on the PC/AT or the
Kaypro). However, the clock is slightly
different. If you boot the system under
MS-DOS version 3.0, the system sets to
8MHz and then goes off to see if there
are any expansion cards installed that
don't like that speed. If there are, the
system slows down to 6MHz for PC/AT
compatibility.
The clock speed can also be set under
user control. To slow it down you can
either hold down the CTRL, ALT and /
keys, or you can enter MODE
SPEED=COM at the DOS 'A>' prompt.
If you boot the system under MS-DOS
version 2.11, the system sets to 6MHz.
Both the RAM and the ROM are
housed in a full-length expansion card.
The memory board on the review
Benchmarks
Kaypro
Compaq
BM1
0.6
0.4
BM2
2.0
1.5
BM3
4.2
3.1
BM4
4.4
3.3
BM5
4.7
3.5
BM6
8.4
6.1
BM7
12.7
9.4
BM8
12.9
9.0
Average
6.23
5.62
All timings
in seconds.
For a full
listing of the Benchmark programs,
see page 185, January issue.
machine was fully populated with 72
256kbit RAM chips giving a total of
2.2Mbytes.
In addition to the memory card, there
were another three expansion cards
installed in the review machine. One
was a combined printer, RS232, floppy
disk (1.2Mbyte and 360k) and tape
streamer controller. Another was a
hard disk controller, and the third was a
display driver card. As it uses an extra
card for memory, only four of the
original eight expansion slotsare avail¬
able for use and one of these can only
accommodate a half-length card.
While three-and-a-half slots will
probably be OK for most people, some
may find it restrictive, especially in
multi-user mode.
The review machine was supplied
with one 30Mbyte hard disk, one
1.2Mbyte floppy drive and a 10Mbyte
tape streamer; other options are also
available. All three worked well. The
hard disk has a manual shipping lockto
secure the read/write heads in place
when you are moving the unit. Usually
you run a program to park the heads out
of harm's way rather than physically
locking them; but the lock is probably
safer as long as you remember to
unlock the heads before you try to use
the hard disk.
The floppy disk drive has a neat
multi-coloured LED builtintoshowyou
which kind of disk it is accessing. If it is
reading a 360k IBM PC disk, the LED
glows red; if it is reading a 1.2 Mbyte AT
floppy, the LED glows green.
The system is also nicely set up in that
the operating system treats the one
floppy disk drive as both drives A: and
B:. This means that even though you
only have one physical floppy drive,
you can still run installation programs
that assume you have two drives. The
system prompts you to change disks.
The tape streamer is something of an
oddity in a desk-top micro. In effect, a
tape streamer is just a cassette of
magnetic tape and is usually used for
backing up hard disks. The great
advantage of a tape streamer is its high
capacity and speed, and until recently
the disadvantages have been price and
the size of streamer units.
The streamer is well-integrated into
the Deskpro system. The system disk
contains a utility which allows you to
format the cartridge and transfer the
contents of a disk to tape or vice versa.
The only problem with the review
system is that if the hard disk was filled
with 30Mbyte of data, you would need
three streamer cartridges to fully back it
up. Having saidthat, it'sstill easierthan
using umpteen floppy disks.
The Compaq keyboard is slightly less
deep than the PC/AT or the Kaypro.
Although the layout of keys is the same
as on the PC/AT, it still looks different.
The main qwerty* typing area occu-
156 PCW AUGUST 1985
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SWANLEY
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Unit 4, Park Road, Swanley,
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Tel: 0322-64908
oias
pies the centre of the key¬
board. The 10 function keys
are arranged vertically to the
left, and the numeric keypad/editing
keys are to the right.
The main difference is that the
Compaq doesn't have the bank of LEDs
in the top-right corner of the keyboard.
Instead, the LEDs are built into the CAPS
LOCK, NUM LOCK and SCROLL LOCK
keys.
I liked the feel of the Compaq
keyboard. It felt more substantial than
the Kaypro unit, and the action of the
keys was light but positive.
The Deskpro 286 was supplied with
the standard Deskpro amber monitor.
Although this is only a black and white
unit, the display adaptor drives it as if it
were a colour monitor so you can get
Lotus 1-2-3 graphics, run Microsoft
windows and do all the things you
would expect to do on a colour system.
The monitor worked well and was
flicker-free.
System software
Instead of using IBM's PC-DOS, the
Deskpro 286 uses its own version
of MS-DOS version 3.0. However,
as far as I could see, it was little
different from PC-DOS version 3.0.
The review machine really showed
up the shortcomings of PC MS-DOS
version 3.0. The main problem with
version 3.0 is that it doesn't make full
use of the features offered by the 80286
processor. In fact, to all intents and
purposes, it treats it as if it were a plain
8086.
One by-product of this approach is
that the operating system can only
access a maximum of 640k of RAM; the
fact that the review machine has
2Mbytesof RAM makes no difference. If
you type CHKDSK to ask MS-DOS how
much RAM it has, it will say 640k, not
2Mbytes.
The problem occurs if the operating
system can't see the extra RAM, as
neither can the applications programs
that run under it. The result of this was
that I could load up Lotus 1 -2-3, go to the
last cell and still get an out-of-memory
error! This will change, but only due to
Technical specifications: Kaypro 286i
running at 6MHz
Processor:
RAM:
ROM:
Mass storage:
Keyboard:
Size:
I/O:
DOS:
Intel 80286
512k
32k
Single or twin 1.2Mbyte PC/AT-compatible 5V4in
floppy disk drives. No hard disk at present
84 keys, IBM PC/AT-compatible
21ins x 17.5ins x 6.5ins
Eight expansion slots (six AT-compatible, two PC-
compatible). Optional serial/parallel printer interface,
colour graphics card
MS-DOS version 2.11, buy your own PC-DOS version 3
Technical specifications Compaq Deskpro 286
Processor:
Intel 80286, selectable 6MHz or 8MHz operation
ROM:
32k
RAM:
256k expandable to 8.2Mbytes
Mass storage:
1.2Mbyte AT-compatible floppy, optional 30Mbyte
hard disk and 10Mbyte tape streamer
Keyboard:
84 keys, AT-compatible
Size:
19.75ins x 16.5ins x 6ins
I/O:
Eight expansion slots (six AT-compatible, two PC-
compatible), mono/colour graphics card, serial/para¬
llel card
DOS:
MS-DOS version 3.0
In perspective
Both the Kaypro 286i and the Compaq Deskpro 286 are the first of what
will undoubtedly be a flood of IBM PC/AT clones. Neither machine
pretends to offer significantly better value than the PC/AT; instead, they are
trading on the avilability problems of the AT.
Of the two, the Kaypro is visibly the most like the PC/AT. The Compaq
offers the functionality while still retaining its own visual appeal.
Kaypro's approach of selling hardware add-ons such as graphics cards
and hard disks through SoftSel is unusual. It is also a departure for
SoftSel, which in the past has concentrated on software rather than
hardware.
Compaq has much more of a reputation in the PC-compatible world
than Kaypro, which is known primarily for its cheap 8-bit portables. On the
whole, there isn't much to choose between either machine.
companies such as Lotus rewriting
their programs to make them look for
extra RAM.
This meant that the only thing I
could do with all that extra RAM was to
use it as a RAM disk, but even here the
operating system limits you because
the maximum RAM disk size using the
MS-DOS 'VDISK' utility is 512k. The
only way out was to set up multiple
RAM disks.
The effect of this is that until Micro-
softgetsaroundtoenhancing MS-DOS,
or Digital Research releases Concurrent
DOS 286, there isn't much point in
buying a PC or AT with more than 640k
of RAM unless you're a RAM disk fan.
Applications software
In terms of PC/AT compatibility, my
views on the Kaypro are equally applic¬
able here. The Compaq ran everything I
expected it to, including Microsoft's
Windows.
Documentation
The documentation for the Compaq
wastheoppositeofthatofthe Kaypro in
every way. The Kaypro had a boxful of
manuals, the Compaq had one manual.
The Kaypro had a 32-page typed system
manual, the Compaq had a profes¬
sionally-printed manual with extensive
use of black and white and colour
photographs as illustrations.
Prices
At the time of writing, the pricing of the
Deskpro 286 range hadn't been final¬
ised, but the packaging has been
decided. The Deskpro 286 will be
available in two versions—the Model 1
and Model 2. The Model 1 will have 256k
of RAM, one 1.2Mbyte AT-compatible
floppy disk drive, a serial/parallel card,
graphics card, keyboard and monitor.
The Model 2 will have 512k of RAM,
one 1.2Mbyte floppy, a 30Mbyte hard
disk, a parallel/serial card, graphics
card, keyboard and monitor. The tape
streamer is optional on all models.
Conclusion
Reviewing IBM-compatible machines
can be difficult. The problem is that as
all the machines are so similar, what
would normally be minor points grow
in importance as you try to differentiate
between the machines.
This is the problem I face with these
two machines. Both do their jobs
adequately, but I can't help preferring
the Compaq. And if you ask me why, it
comes down to things like the way the
disk drives on the Compaq are rubber-
mounted!
I wouldn't buy an AT or compatible
until companies get around to releasing
decent software for these machines.
What's the point of using all that po wer
to emulate an IBM PC? ITT1
158 PCW AUGUST 1985
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Pegasus Prices and details on request
We are authorised Pegasus dealers
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
As specialist consultants in this field we can
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ALL PRICES QUOTED ARE FOR IBM/
APRICOT ONLY AND ARE FOR JULY/
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FOR OTHER FORMATS PLEASE ENQUIRE
LOTUS 1-2-3.£289
FRAMEWORK V. 1.1.£295
DBASE III VII .£295
SUPERCALC II.£145
DMS DELTA.£375
MULTIMATE V.3.3.£265
DR C COMPILER.£225
MULTIPLAN.£145
OPEN ACCESS.£325
dBASEII.£225
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“We offer probably the widest range of software in the UK. Please ask for a including 8 font types, up to four charts per
copy of our comprehensive price list. page and able to print all plotter colours.
*Local authority, government and European enquiries welcomed. Further List price £295 Our price £199
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* DISKS and BOOKS
Wm nM&qbffwlLwM
Crown Square, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AT
Telephone 0629-3021
We stock Sony, Dysan and 3M disks. Our
prices are very competitive; for example 1
box of 10 Sony double-sided disks is £39.95
+ V.A.T. + £1.00 carriage. We also sell
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Send for further details indicating
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Suite no. 5, 183 brake St
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Tel: 0706 342375 <9am-9pm>*
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Apricot FIE (256K + 315K disk) ... £644.00
Apricot FI (256K + 720K disk).£918.00
Apricot PC (256K + 2x 315K disk) £1,493
Apricot PC (256K + 2 x 720K disk)
£1,679.00
Apricot XilO (256K + 10Mb Winchester)
£2,616.00
Apricot Xil 0s (512K + 10Mb Winchester)
£3,047
Apricot Xi20 (512K + 20Mb Winchester)
£3 519 00
Apricot Xi20s (1 Mb + 20Mb Winchester]
£3 979 00
Advance 86b.£799.00 + VAT
Ferranti 860 .Promotional Price
BBC Model B.£339.95
BBCB + DFS.£420.00
New BBC Plus (64K + DFS).£469.00
Amstrad 464 (Green).£225.00
Amstrad 464 (Colour).£325.00
Amstrad 644 Green).£332.00
Amstrad 664 (Colour).£449.00
Sanyo 555.£799.00 + VAT
Spectrum Plus.£122.95
COMPUTER
MONITORS (widest choice)
JVC, Sanyo, Microvitec, IBM, Ferguson,
Taxan, Apricot.
PRINTERS
Canon PW1080 .£319.00
Shinwa CPA80 (Centronic).£219.95
Shinwa CPA80 (RS232).£236.00
Epson RX80 FT.£289.00
Juki 6100.£388.00
Brother HR15.£395.00
Panasonic.£319.95
Smith-Corona (Fastext 80).£165.00
Brother EP 44.£234.95
Brother M1009 (Centronics RS232) £195.95
Star SG10. —
Star SD15.—
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DISK DRIVES
Opus, Pace, Cumuna,
also WINCHESTER DRIVES for
Sanyo, IBM, Advance and Apricot.
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6502.£199.00
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IN STOCK
COMPUTER STATIONERY, DISKS, PLUGS, SOCKETS, CABLES, ETC.
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Export dealer enquiries welcome.
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FALLOWFIELD, MANCHESTER
TEL: 061-224 8117
AUGUST 1985 PCW159
Illustration by Stuart McKay
PROGRAMMING
Real-fife
games
Do something useful with younriicro and
Mjcrosoft Basic — simulate reaFjife situations such
as cafes , carparks . . . you name it.
Computer simulation need not be a
daunting task — it's rather like using a
computer to play serious games. In¬
stead of zapping aliens, you might like
to simulate a car park, a cafe, a
warehouse or even a factory. Ambi¬
tious types are advised to leave the
universe until after lunch!
For simplicity, the examples here are
written in Microsoft Basic. This is not
the ideal language for simulation, but
it's not too bad as long as you're careful.
Regular readers of PCW should have
their PCW Basic Converter Chart, and
this will aid them, in translating the
programs into whatever dialect they
choose.
Following orders
Despite all the talk of heuristic prog¬
rams and artificial intelligence (Al), one
thing computers are extremely good at
is following orders— providing, that is,
the orders (or instructions) are unambi¬
guous. There is no particular need for
the orders to be given in the vaguely
mathematical terms of a language like
Basic: they could be expressed in any
form which the computer is able to
accept. Once recognised, they will be
obeyed as long as it is within the power
of the computer to do so.
Although this slavish adherence to
rules might be irritating to the Al
community, it is very useful for others.
If the behaviour of a system can be
completely and unambiguously
described as a set of rules, then a
computer could be programmed to
mimic that system. Computer simula¬
tion is possible. i
Consider, for example, a car park
controlled by automatic entry and exit
barriers. Suppose that a car is only
allowed into the car park if the correct
coinage is inserted in a slot, and if there
is a parking space free. We could say
that the following happens to a car:
It arrives at the entrance and joins the
queue if one exists.
When it reaches the barrier, the driver
will put coins in the slot.
If there is a space available, the barrier
will lift and the car will enter the park.
The driver will find the space and park
the car.
The car remains in the park until the
driver is ready to leave.
The car is driven to the exit barrier and
joins a queue, if one exists.
When the car reaches the barrier, the
barrier lifts and allows the car to
leave.
As long as all cars obey these rules,
we have a completely unambiguous
description of what happens to the cars
and spaces in the car park. It is then a
simple matter to program a computer
to obey the rules. To simulate such a
system before it is built helps to ensure
that it is being designed correctly.
Although computer simulation
might not be much use for designing
such a cheap and simple system as a car
park, however, life is often not so kind.
An army fighting a battle rarely gets a
chance to fight a second time if it loses,
so it makes sense to find an inexpensive
and safe way of testing the various
tactics. Battlefield simulations are not
unknown in the military sphere.
To take another example, an airport
authority may wish to know whether it's
worth adding another runway. Simu¬
lated aircraft cause little damage when
they fall from the simulated sky.
A computer simulation is useful
when there is a need to carry out
experiments on a system. The rules of
the system are investigated and listed,
and once agreed, they form the basis of
a simulation model. The model is then
programmed in an appropriate lan¬
guage and then the system is simulated
on a computer. At this stage, another
advantage appears — speed. Using
powerful computers and slick prog¬
ramming, a year on the system could be
simulated in afewsecondsof computer
time (or minutes on a personal compu¬
ter). This speed allows quite sophisti¬
cated experiments to be carried out.
Before going any further, I will
introduce discrete event simulation
(some people wrongly call this Monte
Carlo simulation). As the name sug¬
gests, in these simulations we are
concerned with discrete changes. In
particular, we simulate time as if it
moved forward in discrete, jerky
amounts. In real life,timemay belikean
everflowing stream, but in our simula¬
tions we simplify things a bit. The
question is: 'How large should these
jumps be?' What we could do is move
time from second to second, or minute
to minute, orhourto hour,orevenfrom
year to year. If we are simulating a
system where everything occurs at
160 PCW AUGUST 1985
regular intervals, then there is no
problem. However, even timetabled
systems such as railways rarely run
exactly to schedule. More often, we
need to simulate systems in which the
activity occurs at irregular intervals.
Suppose we were simulating a car
park by a commuter railway station.
The activity in the car park will vary
during the day. Most of the activity
would occur in the morning and even¬
ing rush hours; there would be some
activity during the intervening hours of
daytime, but not much. During the
night, there would be little or no activity.
Dueto such variable activity being all
too common, we use a variable time
jump. Ratherthan deciding beforehand
how big the jump should be, we let the
computer program decide from the
conditions within the simulation. We do
this by making the program jump from
state change to state change in the
simulation. In the car park simulation,
examples of such state changes might
be the arrival or departure of a car;
these state changes are usually called
'system events'. If nothing important is
happening at any time, the program
just ignores that time and moves to the
next event. Thus we have the name
'discrete event simulation'.
The other decision to be made is,
what do we mean by important? We
consider the entities that make up the
system which we are simulating. In the
car park these might be cars, drivers,
attendants, barriers, parking spaces
and trains. Whenever something signi¬
ficant happens to one of these, then we
have a system event.
To begin producing such a discrete
event simulation model, we must
identify the entities of the system and
note how they change state: that is,
define the rules by which the system
operates.
Working simulations
The programs haveto be written in such
a way that they are easy to debug and
validate, but being absolutely certain
that your simulation program is bug-
free is surprisingly difficult. It may be
that the program only crashes when
three cars arrive, two cars leave and a
train comes late — all at the same time.
More perversely, the program may not
crash, but just startto do rather strange
things which you may not notice! Any
simulation analyst will tell you about
one project or another in which, rather
late on, he discovered that entities were
mysteriously disappearing from the
simulation. I heard of one simulation of
an airport in which it was discovered
that aircraft taking off seemed to
disappear into a black hole at the end of
the runway. Simulation programs must
be well structured.
Inthe 1950's, Keith Tocher suggested
a structure for simulation programs
which would suit these problems. In
those days, he was working with
computers held together with string
AUGUST 1985 PCW161
PROGRAMMING
and sealing wax, and the highest-level
programming was done in assembler
or autocode. Tocher suggested that a
discrete event simulation could operate
with a repeated cycle of three phases
called A, B and C. To understand what
he suggested, it might help to imagine
our program maintaining a diary of
future events. We might know that a
train will arrive at 8am, and regard this
type of event as type 'B' as it is Bound to
happen at a particular time.
Other events cannot be scheduled in
‘Despite all the talk of
heuristic programs and
artificial intelligence, one
thing computers are
extremely good at is
following orders —
providing the orders
are unambiguous . .
advance because they depend on what
else goes on in the simulation. A car
may only begin to park if a space is free.
Such events are known as 'C' type as
they depend on the Conditions in the
simulation. To make things slightly
confusing, Tocher called B and C
'activities', rather than 'events'. We'll
just call them Bs and Cs.
When we come to program an
example, you'll see that Bs and Cs are
coded differently. The difference is that
Cs have what is known as a 'test head'
followed by actions, whereas Bs have
only actions (Fig 1). In Fig 1, the B shown
is one which might control the arrival of
trains; the C is one governing the
attempt by a car to park.
Tocher christened the diary entries
needed to control the Bs and Cs 'time
cells', giving one to each entity.
Whenever a Bean be reliably scheduled
for an entity, we just place in the time
cell the time when the B is due to occur.
As the Cs depend on other things (that is
Bs and Cs) we only need to see if these
are possible whenever a B has hap¬
pened, hence we get Tocher's three-
phase approach:
A phase: examine all time cells. Pick out
the B (or Bs) due next and move time to
then. Hold time at that point.
B phase: execute all the Bs due at this
new time.
C phase: now do all the Cs which are
possible. Go back to the A phase until
the simulation is over.
It wouldn't be sensible to do this for a
large-scale simulation, but a simple
way of implementing this A-B-C
approach in Microsoft Basic is as
follows. If there are n entities, create
two vectors, each holding n items. Call
the first vector TCELLO and the second
NEXTACT$(). To find the time of the
next state change of entity k, look in
TCELL(k)andthen lookin NEXTACT$(k)
for the activity due then. Thus, for entity
k, if the next state change is to engage in
activity B1 at time 201, we should find
that:
TCELL(k)=201 and NEXTACT$(k) =
"B1".
If the entity is ready to engage in a C
activity, then we can't say for certain
which one it will be so we should find
that:
NEXTACT$(k)="C".
Joe’s Caff
Many discrete event simulations are of
queueing systems, so let's consider
such an example here. Firstly, we'll look
at the structure of the Bs and Cs. Next,
we'll work out some Basic code which
will simulate the system.
Imagine Joe's Caff. Joe has no
helpers, probably because he's bad-
tempered and pays low wages. Cus¬
tomers arrive at the Caff and must
queue for service (regulars feel that
'service' may not be the right term for
Joe's attitude). When they reach the
front of the queue, Joe asks what they
want and goes off to make it. When
served, the customer pays and goes to a
table to eat. Joe's food is never likely to
make the Good Food Guide , so he has
more table space than customers.
Periodically, Joe goes to clear the dirty
tables.
For some unknown reason, suppose
that we wish to simulate this system.
Firstly, what are the entities of the
system? Surprisingly, in such systems
it is often best to ignore the product for
which the system exists, so in this case
we'll ignore the food. We are left with
customers, Joe, and tables and chairs.
Given that the chairs are by the tables,
we can just think about the chairs as
representing both.
Next, what about the system states?
Customers arrive, queuefor service, eat
the food and leave. Joe is either idle,
serving customers or cleaning tables.
He never washes up! The chairs/tables
are clean, in use, or dirty. Clearly some
of these states coincide, we nowthink of
the Bs and Cs that mark the state
changes.
Customer service has a beginning
and an end for each customer. It can
only begin when a customer is waiting
and Joe is idle (that is, ready to serve),
therefore its start depends on these
‘If the behaviour of a
system can be
completely and
unambiguously
described as a set of
rules , then a computer
could be programmed to
mimic that system.’
conditions within the simulation. Thus,
'begin service' is a C. When the service
starts we might be able to predict how
long it will take, depending on what
food is wanted, so its end is bound to
occur at some time. Therefore, 'end
service' is a B.
Acustomercan only begin to eat once
served and then only if a clean chair/
table is free, so 'begin eat' is a C. The
time taken to eat the food can be
calculated and 'end eat' is a B.
Suppose that Joe cleans the tables
whenever he is free, and there are three
or more dirty tables to be cleaned.
'Begin clean' depends on the condi¬
tions in the simulation and isa C. Using
the same argument as before, 'end
clean' is a B.
We might position ourselves with a
stopwatch outside Joe's Caff and note
when his customers arrive. The result-
EXAMPLE B: TRAIN ARRIVES
Begin
Note that train n has arrived
ACTIONS Look up arrival time of train n + 1
Schedule arrival of train n+1
End.
Return to executive.
EXAMPLE C: BEGIN PARK CAR
Begin
IF car waiting AND IF space free
THEN Begin
Remove car from queue
Occupy space
Work out time for manoeuvre
Schedule end of manoeuvre
End
End.
Return to executive/
Fig 1 Program to show the different coding of B and C
162 PCW AUGUST 1985
1200 REM Schedule next activity
1210 TCELLC ENTITY)-DURATION+CLOCK
1220 NEXTACT$(ENTITY)-ACTIVITY*
1230 UTILISATION(ENTITY)-UTILISATION(ENTITY)+DURATION
1240 RETURN
Fig 2 Adding another subroutine
ing arrival data could be statistically
analysed to show the typical intervals
between successive customers, and we
would then have a probability distribu¬
tion or a histogram of the inter-arrival
time. As customer 'n' arrives, we can
take a sample from this probability
distribution. Add this inter-arrival time
to the current time, and we have the
arrival time of customer n + 1. As long as
we know when one customer will
arrive, we can say reliably when the
next will come. As one customer
actually arrives in the Caff, the next
starts to arrive as if dragged along by his
bootstraps by the predecessor. This
bootstrapping approach allows us to
treat the 'arrival' event as a B.
We now have the beginnings of a
simulation model for Joe's Caff. It is
very simple, but contains the skeleton
of what could be a realistic simulation.
The Bs and Cs are as follows:
B1 : customer arrives — add customer
to queue of those waiting for service.
Note in diary when the next customer is
bootstrapped to come.
B2: end cleaning chairs/tables — note
the number of clean chairs/tables, set
Joe idle.
B3: end service—notethat customer is
served, set Joe idle.
B4: end eat — note that chair/table is
now dirty and customer gone.
Cl: begin cleaning chairs/tables — if
Joe is free and there are at least three
dirty chairs/tables, then occupy Joe and
note when this activity will end (that is
schedule B2 in the diary).
C2: begin service — if Joe is free and
there are customers waiting then
occupy Joe, reduce queue by one and
note when this activity will end (that is,
schedule B3 in the diary).
C3: begin eat — if customer is served
and clean table/chair available, then
occupy chair/table and customer, sche¬
dule end of eating (that is, schedule B4
in the diary).
Program control
Having reduced Joe's Caff to a set of
rules captured in four Bs and three Cs,
we need to find some reliable way of
programming its simulation. What we
do is treat each B and C as an entirely
separate subroutine ('procedure' in
BBC Basic or Pascal), and these sub¬
routines will not be allowed to com¬
municate directly with each other. All
such communication will be controlled
by an 'executive', or control program.
The executive has two functions.
Firstly, it must ensure that time in the
simulation moves forward from event
to event without missing any events
(the A phase). Then it must ensure that
the correct activity (that is, the correct
BsandCs) occur at that time. It is the job
of the executive to ensure that a
continual cycle of A-B-C occurs
throughout the simulation. Using the
two vectors TCELLO and NEXTACT$()
defined earlier, this turns outto be very
simple. To illustrate it, we'll use Joe's
Caff as an example.
To simulate the Caff, we have already
specified four Bs and three Cs. We now
need to consider the entities which are
needed for the simulation. To keep
things simple, we can manage with just
three classes of entity, as follows:
Joe: a unique individual.
Chairs/tables: a number, say 10, are
available for customers.
An arrival machine: this deposits cus¬
tomers in the Caff at irregular intervals.
For our purposes we can regard all
customers as identical, at least until
they reach the head of the queue.
We therefore have two vectors,
TCELLO and NEXTACT$(), each with 12
elements. As we're using Microsoft
Basic, for convenience we'll give each
entity a numeric label. Entity onecan be
2000 REM CUSTOMER ARRIVES (B1)
2010 QUEUE-QUEUE-1:NUMARR-NUMARR+1
2020 ENTITY-NEWCUST:ACTIVITY$=”B1”:DURATION-5*RND(6)
2030 GOSUB 1200:REM Schedule next arrival
2040 PRINT ’’Customer ”; NUMARR; ” arrives, queue now ”; QUEUE
2999 RETURN
3000 REM END CLEANING CHAIRS/TABLES
3010 DIRTY*DIRTY-TASK
3020 FOR 1=1 TO TASK
3030 TABLESTATE(TABLETASK(I))-CLEAN:TABLETASK(I)=0
3040 NEXT I
3050 PRINT ’’Cleaning of ”;TASK;” tables complete. ”;DIRTY:” Still
dirty”
3999 RETURN
4000 REM END SERVICE OF CUSTOMER (B3)
4010 SERVED-SERVED+1:WAITING-WAITING*!
4020 PRINT ’’End of service number ”; SERVED
4999 RETURN
5000 REM END EAT (B4)
5010 FED*FED*1: DIRTY«DIRTY*1
5020 TABLESTATE(ENTDUE-2)-FILTHY
5030 PRINT ’’Table ENTDUE-2;” now dirty, DIRTY;” tables dirty”
5040 PRINT FED;” customers now finished”
5999 RETURN
12000 REM BEGIN CLEANING 3 OR MORE TABLES/CHAIRS <C1)
12010 REM Testhead
12020 IF NEXTACTS(JOE)<>”C” THEN RETURN
12030 IF DIRTY<3 THEN RETURN
12040 REM Establish list of tables to be cleaned
12050 TASK=0
12060 FOR 1=1 TO NUMTABLFS
12070 IF TABLESTATECI)=FILTHY THEN TASK-TASK*1:TABLETASK(TASK)=1
12080 NEXT I
12090 ENTITY=JOE:ACTIVITY*=”B2”:DURATION-TASK
12100 GOSUB 1200: REM Schedule end of cleaning; dirty tables
12110 PRINT ”Joe starts to clean ”;TASK;” dirty tables/chairs”
12999 RETURN
13000 REM BEGIN SERVICE (C2)
13010 REM Testhead
13020 IF NEXTACT$(JOE)<>”C” THEN RETURN
13030 IF DIRTY>=NUMTABLES THEN RETURN
13040 IF QUEUE<=0 THEN RETURN
13050 REM Actions
13060 ENTITY*JOE:ACTIVITY$*”B3”:DURATION-3*RND(6 )
13070 GOSUB 1200:REM Schedule end of service
13080 PRINT ”J oe starts to serve customer ”;SERVED+1
13090 QUEUE=QUEUE-1
13999 RETURN
14000 REM BEGIN EATING (C3)
14010 REM Testhead
14020 IF WAITING<=0 THEN RETURN
14025 FOR TABLE-1 TO NUMTABLES
14030 IF TABLESTATE(TABLE)-FILTHY THEN 14070
14035 IF NEXTACTS(TABLE+2)<>”C” THEN 14070
14040 ENTITY“TABLE*2:DURATION-13*RND(6):ACTIVITYS»”B4”
14050 GOSUB 1200:REM Schedule end of eating
14060 GOTO 14080
14070 NEXT TABLE:RETURN
14080 PRINT ’’Customer starts to eat at table/chair TABLE
14085 WAITING-WAITING-1
14999 RETURN
Fig 3 Bs, Cs, initialisation and finalisation
AUGUST 1985 PCW163
PROGRAMMING
the arrival machine, entity two can
represent Joe, and entities three to 12
are the chairs/tables. Our executive
program has to be structured as fol¬
lows:
1) A phase: note the value of the
minimum TCELLO whose entity has a B
scheduled next in NEXTACT$(). In
Microsoft Basic, this simply means
examining the first character of the
string NEXTACT$() for equality with B
and then checking the value of TCELLO.
This minimum time cell then tells us the
next value of the simulation clock.
2) B phase: for each entity whose
time cell is equal to this new clock value,
‘Any simulation analyst
will tell you about one
project or another in
which ... he discovered
that entities were
mysteriously
disappearing from the
simulation.’
do the B indicated by the string value in
NEXTACT$(). Do these Bs in whatever
sequence is most convenient. Before
each of the Bs, make sure that the
NEXTACT$() of the relevant entity is set
to C: that is, the entity is free unless
otherwise committed in the B.
3) C phase: now try each of the Cs in
turn, repeating the attempts until no
more Cs are executed.
In Microsoft Basic, the B and C phases
are easiestto control by using the 'On X
Gosub' statement, where X is a key
indicating which B or C is next.
For safety, avoid tampering directly
with the TCELLO and NEXTACT$()
vectors from within the Bs or Cs. It is
sensible to add another subroutine, as
shown in Fig 2. Whenever we wish to
reschedule an entity, we will do so via
this subroutine. This minimises the risk
of wrongly altering a time cell or the
next activity indicated. We should
never alter the simulation clock; this is
stored as CLOCK (line 1210) and records
the current simulation time.
Our simulation program finally has
six sections as follows:
1) The executive: this is general and
can be used for any discrete simulation.
2) The scheduling subroutine: again,
this is general.
3) An initialisation section: this gives
initial values to the variables in the
program.
4) The Bs: each an independent
subroutine.
5) The Cs: each an independent
subroutine.
6) Afinalisation section: thissumma-
rises the performance of the system
being simulated.
The Bs, Cs, initialisation and
finalisation are shown in Fig 3 and
described below.
B1 customer arrives: this is very simple.
Line 2010 adds the new arrival to the
queue and adds one to a counter for the
number arrived so far. Lines 2020 and
2030 schedule the next arrival in
something between 0 and 5 minutes
time. Line 2040 provides screen dis-
play.
B2 end cleaning chairs tables: line 3010
reduces the number of tables still dirty.
Lines 3020 to 3040 clear out the records
that tell Joe which tables to clean. 3050
provides run time display.
B3 end service of customer: line 4010
adds 1 to counters showing how many
customers have been served and how
many are waiting for a table.
B4end eat: in line 5010,'fed'and'dirty'
are counters recording how many
customers have been fed and how
many tables are currently dirty. In line
5020, ENTDUE is a variable produced
by the executive which shows which
entity is causing this B to happen. As the
chairs/tables are entities two to 12,
ENTDUE-2 gives the number of the
table just released. Its state is set to
'filthy'.
Cl begin cleaning tables: lines 12010
and 12020 are the the test head of this C.
If these tests are failed, then control
returns to the executive which will pass
ontoC2. Line 12020 checks whether Joe
isfree; if he is, then a C will be indicated
as his next activity. Line 12030checksto
ensure that three or more tables are
dirty.
Lines 12040 to 12080 find which
tables are dirty and lines 12090 and
12100 commit Joe to clean these tables.
As it takes him one minute pertable, he
will finish cleaning them (B2) in 'task'
minutes.
C2 begin service: this time there are
three tests to pass. Line 13020 checks
whether Joe is free; line 13030 makes
sure that a clean chair/table is available;
line 13040 sees if any customers are
waiting to be served. If these tests are
passed, lines 13060 and 13070 commit
Joe to end this service in something
between 0 and 3 minutes time. Line
13090 reduces the queue by one.
C3 begin eating: this is rather more
complicated. It begins with a simpletest
in line 14020 to check that there are
customers waiting for a chair/table.
Lines 14025 to 14070 examine all the
chairs/tables in turn. They search forthe
first free, clean table and return to the
executive if none isfound.Thefirst such
table is assigned to the waiting custom¬
er and the end of eating (B4) is
scheduled for anything up to 15 mi¬
nutes hence. Line 14085 reduces the
number waiting by one.
Initialisation: in this program, the
executive occupies lines 1000 to 1199
and the initialisation section comes
before it. As you might expect, it merely
establishes initial values for the vari¬
ables of the program. Strictly, some of
these are parameters, such as the
number of tables/chairs and duration of
simulation; others establish that all the
tables are initially clean and that Joe is
idle. For convenience, it might also set
up the time that the first customer
arrives. The executive takes over from
the initialisation section.
Finalisation: this section provides a
report of the performance of the sys¬
tem. For Joe's Caff, we might wish to
know how many customers came, how
‘A computer simulation is
useful when there is a
need to carry out
experiments on a
system. The rules of the
system are investigated
. . . they form the basis
of the simulation model.’
many were served and how many
completed their meal. We also might
need the percentage utilisation of all 12
entities. If you write your own executive
to make this simulation work, you'll find
that the customers could probably
manage with, say, sixtables. You'll also
findthat Joe is busy about75 percent of
the time.
The execution starts the finalisation
when the specified simulation duration
is exceeded.
Graphics
Watching text scroll past as the simula¬
tion runs is boring, and is not a good
way of communicating the status of the
program. To make things more in¬
teresting, you could try adding some
graphics, which is impossible in stan¬
dard Microsoft Basic but possible in
GW-Basic. All you do is allocate
graphical attributes to each entity.
Depending on your graphics system,
this can be quite simple or rather
difficult. Typical graphical attributes
are shape, colour, scale, rotation and
x/y coordinates for each entity. As an
entity is rescheduled or freed, its
graphical attributes are updated. Then
at each A phase, the screen is re-drawn.
This is painfully slow in GW-Basic, but
quite fast in other systems.
When you get to this level of ambi¬
tious simulation, perhaps you ought to
abandon Basic altogether._
Mike Pidd is a lecturer in Operational
Research at Lancaster University and
author of Computer Simulation in
Management Science, published by
John Wiley. Hlhl
164 PCW AUGUST 1985
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TheZero 2 is anattempt to clarify thp actual functions arri uses ofa robotjn
tjiejjghwfttv^^ isconception^ Stephen Applebaum directs
operations.
Robotics is one of those frequently
misunderstood areas of computing
where, thanks mainly to the work of
over-imaginative film makers and sci¬
ence fiction writers, a subject has been
popularised more through fantasy than
fact, leaving people with a jaundiced
view as to what robots are and what
they are realistically capable of. Robin
Bradbeer of Intergalactic Robots (IGR)
hopes, therefore, that his new Zero 2
robot cum turtle will help clear the mist
to some extent, and give BBC, Spec¬
trum and Commodore 64 owners an
opportunity to discover what robotics
involves at a basic level, for a relatively
small outlay.
At £99.95 for an assembled model
(£79.95 in kit form) the Zero 2 should
come within the reach of most micro
users' budgets. Foryour money you get
the robot, interface cable, power supp¬
ly, software and operating manual. As
the little beast is machine independent,
it can be used with any computer
supporting a serial interface provided
you have the appropriate connecting
cable. People who prefer to buy the kit
can obtain it from Maplin, but they will
only get the robot and four metres of
cable; the reason being that IGR be¬
lieves anyone wanting to build the Zero
2 will probably already have a 9v~12va
psu and could certainly build the
interface at a lower cost than buying it
direct from them.
The Zero 2 qualifies as a robot by
virtue ofthe fact that it can be program¬
med to do a variety of different tasks,
mechanically or otherwise. This does
not mean, however, that it will relieve
you of any housework or putthecatout
— far from it. In fact, the Zero 2's ability
seems extremely limited when com¬
pared to R2-D2 or C3-PO, but you must
remember that it is a cheap and very
real device, not an electronic prop
created by a film studio's dream
factory.
Design
Designwise the Zero 2 looks like a
computerised jellyfish, its clear plastic
case giving a good view of its internal
workings. Inside the robot's shell is an
aluminium chassis to which are
attached three large stepper motors
and a pcb. Two of the motors drive the
device, each controlling a wheel in
steps of half a millimetre, while the third
raises and lowers a pen. Toward the
front of Zero 2 is a 4 x 2V2in pcb; this is
the nerve centre of the machine. Not
only does it include the firmware for
communicating with the host compu¬
ter, but also some nice little additions
such as red and green turning lights
(LEDs), a small hooter and a line
follower.
A kind of complex simplicity is a
major feature of Zero 2's design.
Setting it up for use requires little more
than having to plug the connecting
cable into the micro's serial port at one
end, and the robot's 'telephone' socket
at the other. As the device does not take
its power from the computer, a separate
power supply is required which plugs
into a small interface situated near the
computer end ofthe connecting cable.
When everything is linked together,
you are ready to go.
In use
Communicating with Zero 2 can be
done through Basic, machine code or
Logo, but for most people, the easiest
way to start will be with the bundled
software.
A list processing program gives easy
access to the robot's built-in features by
allowing simple Logo-like instructions
to be used to make Zero 2 perform a
function. It is also possible to 'teach' the
robot, say, a maze, using direct control
from the computer keyboard or a
joystick. This lets you guide the robot
around the maze, place it back at the
beginning, and then watch it go
through the exact same procedure but
this time unaided.
Also included is a series of machine
code routines to interface the device to
Logo. In the case of the Spectrum this
means Sinclair Logo, and forthe 64 it's
Commodore's own Logo, while the
BBC uses Logotron's implementation.
At the time of writing Logotron had not
finished interfacing its packageto IGR's
robot, although it should be ready by
the time you read this. Other Logo
interfacing routines are planned, such
as for the Atari and Apple micros.
Most of the software packaged with
Zero 2 is fun to use, but on the whole is
quite limited. The more ambitious user
will soon become tired of the building
program and will want to move onto
something more complex. This will
usually take the form of instructing the
device in either Basic, Logo or machine
code.
Each one of Zero 2's functions can be
programmed by sending information
through the computer's RS232 (RS423
on the BBC) to a specific address. As a
serial portcanfunctionatdifferentbaud
rates, the first part of any Basic prog ram
must set up parameters for sending
data to the serial port at a required
speed. There are many different
addresses that can, and must be
addressed to make the Zero 2 perform
even a simple series of movements, but
I'll only give a brief example here, as
outlined in the machine's small and
concise operating manual.
The following list shows a set of
functions and their addresses:
Device Address
Drive motors 0
Pen motor 1
Indicators 2
By sending a number between 0 and 15
to one of these addresses, the device at
that location can be madeto perform an
action. In Basic, this is done by printing
a byte containing information for both
the address and data to the serial port.
This takes the form: (byte value + 16) +
data.
Each ofthe two motors driving Zero 2
can be controlled individually or simul¬
taneously. The right-hand motor is
controlled by a binary numberbetween
0 and 3, the left-hand motor by the
binary form of the numbers 0,4,8 and
12. To make either of the motors go
backwards orforwards, these numbers
must be sent in a specific order. All the
other devices onboard the Zero 2 can be
controlled in much the same way as the
166 PCW AUGUST 1985
motors, although there are less long-
winded methods outlined in the manu¬
al. For more advanced programs, there
are a group of files which provide
various machine code calls for use from
within Basic.
ProgrammingZero2through Basicis
fine, but a better, more enjoyable
method is to use Logo. To complement
the comprehensive Logo implementa¬
tions already mentioned, IGR has
added its own primitives for more
precise control of Zero 2. The following
commands are for the Spectrum, but
those for the BBC should be very
similar:
SETSCAL — allows the distance the
robot moves for each unit in the Logo
commands to be set.
ADJUST — compensates for slippage
on different surfaces.
SETSPD — varies the robot's speed.
SETPEN — makes sure thatthe pen isat
the limit of its range after a PENUP
instruction.
SETHORN — allows the horn to be
programmed from within Basic.
SETLEDS — allows the LEDs to be
turned on and off from within Logo.
In its basic form, the Zero 2 is quite a
powerful beast whch can double as
both a robot and a turtle, and is capable
of running on a range of surfaces, from
carpets to table-tops. However, IGR has
plans to expand the system in a big way,
and that means not only through extra
software, but also several neat hard¬
ware add-ons.
On the pcb inside the Zero 2 is a small
connector which allows further boards
to be added. Two of IGR's major plans
are to have a speech synthesis board/
three-channel sound generator and an
infra-red communications link. The
latter will sit on top of the robot and
should provide a distinct advantage
over the umbilical cord which tends to
get tangled while the Zero 2 is perform¬
ing a circle, or whatever. A hole and
edge detector, and an obstacle detector
are also planned, although IGR does not
know as yet the order in which each
add-on will become available.
The uses for Zero 2 are (cue cliche)
only limited by the user's imagination.
As far as the hardware is concerned,
IGR has left slots and holes for hob¬
byists to expand the system them¬
selves, as well as leaving some spare
input/output connectors on the pcb for
directly expanding the system.
Conclusion
The Zero 2 is an interesting develop¬
ment in the low end of the robotics
markets. At just under £100 for the
assembled device, IGR should not have
any problem in attracting users in both
the home and educational markets,
especially the hobbyist who wan ts a
robot to build and expand upon. LUl)
For further details contact: Intergalactic
Robots, Unit 208, Highbury Workshop ,
22 Highbury Grove, London N5. Tel:
(01)3592536.
AUGUST 1985 PCW167
IN BUSINESS
Newforold
WordStar2000 is nowjivailabje in the UK, but do its enhancements
justify forsakmg the tried and trusted WordStar? Kathy Lanc[ examines
how, and whether, to make the move.
Once upon a time, films about English
country life almost always included a
scene in which a housewife gives her
husband's old, threadbare jacket to the
church jumble sale, followed by
another in which her husband surrepti¬
tiously retrieves it, muttering about
people who want to throw away old
friends. For someone who has been
using one for a long time, a word
processing package has a lot in com¬
mon with that old jacket. While you may
curse it from time to time, and bemoan
its shortcomings, any threat to replace
it with a new, smart, up-to-date package
will encounter great resistance.
Fora variety of reasons, word proces¬
sing packages become part of one's
lifestyle to an extent not matched by
othertypesofcomputingtool,soforthe
tens of thousands of WordStar users in
the UK, the news that WordStar 2000 is
now available here may contain as
much threat as promise. Certainly
many current WordStar users will want
to think very carefully about whether it
is worth making the change to the new
package. For those people, here are
some indications as to how the two
packages compare, and the merits and
drawbacks of making the change. In
addition, there is some consideration of
areas in which care will be most needed
when converting document files from
one package to the other.
The main differences of detail be¬
tween the two are summarised in Fig 1,
and subsequently discussed in greater
depth. It is worth stressing initially,
though, that whereas WordStar is
supplied for a very wide range of
computers, WordStar 2000 is at present
only available for the IBM PC and close
compatibles.
Moving around
The comparable commands for mov¬
ing the cursor, and for moving text
around the cursor, are shown in Fig 2.
The major improvement is that Word¬
Star 2000 allows direct movement to a
particular page. The drawback is that,
unlike WordStar, you cannot use the
'page down' feature (CTRL/C) to move
the cursor down a screen when you are
at the bottom of a document.
Deletion and insertion
Fig 3 shows the functions available in
each package. In WordStar, a great
cause of irritation is the way deletion of
a single character works. In DOS, the
backspace key deletes the character
behind the cursor, whereas in Word¬
Star backspace works like the cursor-
left arrow key; you must use the DEL key
instead. WordStar 2000 remedies this
so that deletion works in the same way
as in DOS. WordStar 2000 also has
single commands for deleting a sent¬
ence and a paragraph.
File and block
Most file and block operations work in a
similar way in the two packages (see Fig
4). A major advantage of WordStar 2000
is the window facility, which allows you
to display parts of two or three docu¬
ments onscreen at once, and to copy
text between them; this could help
when constructing a document from
existing text, for example in a 'standard
paragraph' application.
The ability to set up abbreviations for
longer, regularly used words or
phrases is also a big step forward.
WordStar 2000's ability to invoke the
spelling checker while editing is
another improvement, while the spell¬
ing checker itself — CorrectStar — is a
great advance over the earlier SpellStar
which most WordStar users have.
Formatting
A major problem for most WordStar
users is its inability to 'remember' the
settings of margins and tabs used with a
document. In WordStar 2000, every
margin and tab change is automatically
recorded in a ruler which is set up by the
package, stored with the document and
activated as the cursor is moved
through it. The manual equivalent in
WordStar involves setting upa 'picture'
of each ruler as a comment line and
remembering to activate it yourself.
Another change in WordStar 2000 is
reformatting after editing changes. In
WordStar, you have to remember to do
this (with CTRL/B); WordStar 2000 does
it for you automatically (although not
always perfectly—it is possible to fool it
in some circumstances into leaving
gaps). This may be an advantage —
much depends on how often you edit
from a printed draft, as in that case
automatic reformatting means that
once one change has been made in a
pagaraph, subsequent lines do not
match the format of the printed draft.
Improved facilities
Undo
Stored rulers, tabs and indents
Windows — especially good for repeated text
Lots of extra function keys
Abbreviations
More direct cursor movement
Arithmetic
Column sorting
DOS directories usable through PATH command
Automatic reformatting
Emphasis shown onscreen
Excellent onscreen help
Better footer and header features
Footnotes
Conversion to and from WordStar
Drawbacks
Major changes to control keys
Reduced flexibility with line height and pitch
Mismatch between ruler and text on 12-pitch documents
No justification onscreen (although line endings are correct)
No indexing yet
Fig 1 WordStar 2000 for WordStar users
168 PCW AUGUST 1985
AUGUST 1985 PCW169
IN BUSINESS
Move Cursor
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Right one character
“D or
“D or *-
Left one character
“S or
*S or «-
Up one Ime
"E or T
“E or T
Down one line
X or i
X or ♦
Right one word
“F
F or ’ -*
Left one word
A
* A or ♦-
To top of screen
QE or Home
“CH or Home
Cursor Home
To bottom of screen
*QX or End
CX or End
Cursor bottom left window
To top of file
QR
“CB
Cursor Beginning
To end of file
QC
‘CE
Cursor End
To right end of line
QD
“CR
Cursor Right side of line
To left end of line
~QS
'CL
Cursor Left side of line
To top of block
QB
CA
Cursor to block beginning
To end of block
QK
CZ
Cursor to block end
To start of last find
QV
'CO
Cursor to Old block position
Find, replace text again
“r
*N
Next locate
To marker 0-9
Q0-Q9
*C0-'C9
Cursor to marker
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in WordStar
CN*
“CP *
CT
'CW
Cursor Note number
Cursor Page number
Cursor To character
Cursor Window
Move Screen
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Up one line
‘W
W
Down one line
‘2
z
Up one screen
~R or PgUp
CU or PgUp
Cursor Up
Down one screen
Fig 2
C or PgDn
CD or PgDn
Cursor Down
Delete and Insert
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Delete character
“G
RC or Del
Remove Character
Delete character left
Del
Backspace
Delete word
‘T
RW
Remove Word
Delete line
Y
“RE
Remove Entire line
Delete to end of line
QY
‘RR
Remove Right side of line
Delete to beginning of line
“Q Del
‘RL
Remove Left side of line
Delete a block
“KY
RB
Remove Block
Insert On Off
*V or Ins
OO or Ins
Option Overtype
Insert carriage return
“N
Cl
Cursor Insert a line
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in
WordStar
“RS
Remove Sentence
RP
Remove Paragraph
RT
Remove To character
‘U
Undo last removed text
Find and Replace
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Find text
QF
L
Locate text
Find and replace text
QA
‘L
Locate and replace text
Find replace text again
“L
‘N
Next locate
Fig 3
WordStar 2000 does not, in any case,
show text justified on the screen, but
WordStar does.
Some other comparisons are shown
in Fig 5, while others are considered
under the next heading. A related
change is the display of formatting
controls, which can be hidden or
displayed at will in WordStar 2000, to
make it easier both to concentrate on
the edited text when necessary, and to
check formatting before printing. This
checking is aided by WordStar 2000's
extensive use of colour for those whose
equipment allows them to exploit it.
The printed page
A major difference between the two is
the use in WordStar 2000 of a format file
to specify the major aspects of page
layout, such as page length, header and
footer margins, and so on. This makes it
easier to set up a single format speci¬
fication for a whole group of docu¬
ments. In addition, you can change some
page layout parameters within the text;
of these, the most notable is line height
as WordStar 2000 can take account of
such changes in displaying page breaks
onscreen. (WordStar allows you to
change line height at any time, but
cannot show page breaks correctly if
you do.)
For users with standard printing
requirements, WordStar 2000's
method of setting up line height and
character width through a formatfile or
embedded commands will make life
much easier. Unfortunately only a
limited range of options is provided:
text can be printed in 10,12 or 15 pitch or
proportionally spaced, while lines may
be printed 2,3,4,6 or 8 to the inch. This
contrasts with the greater flexibility of
WordStar, which gives access to the full
capability of many letter-quality prin¬
ters to offer character widths measured
in 120ths of an inch, and line heights in
48ths of an inch. Many people will
regard this as a small price to pay for the
convenience oftheformat file approach
(although this need not have precluded
offering greater flexibility to those who
need it), but if you have non-standard
requirements you should check that
WordStar 2000 can meet them.
Another distinction affects only those
who use a character pitch other than 10.
WordStar 2000 sets up its rulers in
terms of tenths of an inch rather than
characters per inch. In order to get, say,
documents to be printed in 12-pitch to
appear correctly, you must specify
12-pitch in the format file and then set
upthe ruler in terms of the text width in
inches, assuming 10 characters per
inch. Therefore, whereas in WordStar
the text always appears in confirmation
with the ruler line, in WordStar 2000,
when typing 12-pitch documents, the
text is displayed extending beyond the
ruler line. In addition, there are some
character positions in which tabs can¬
not be set as only 10 are available per
inch. This won't be a problem if you
always use 10-pitch, and you may not
mind even if you frequently use 12-
pitch, but those who are thinking of
changing would be well advised to see
the problem for themselves before
deciding. And if you use tabs a lot, see
thesystem usedtotypeand printatable
using 12-pitch.
A novel feature of WordStar 2000 is
its Typewriter mode, which echoes
directly onto the printer what is typed at
the keyboard without the need for
intermediate storage. The main use of
this feature is for envelopes as it is then
easier to line up the envelope correctly
in the printer before the address is
printed, nor do you have to save a file
containing the address purely for this
purpose.
Emphasis of text is handled in a
similar way in both packages, with two
major exceptions. Firstly, WordStar
2000 shows emphasis in a form which
170 PCW AUGUST 1985
File and Block Operations
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Column mode On Off
‘KN
‘BV
Block Vertical
Mark unmark block
KB
BB
Block Begin
beginning
Mark/unmark block end
KK
BE
Block End
Hide show marked block
KH
*BD
Block Display
Copy block
KC
BC
Block Copy
Delete block
KY
BR
Block Remove
Move block
KV
BM
Block Move
Write block into another file
KW
BW
Block Write to file
Read file into document
"KR
Bl
Block Insert a file
Set remove marker 0-9
KO-9
"CMO-9
Cursor Marker set 0 9
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in WordStar
BA
Block Arithmetic
"BS
Block Sort
Save Files
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Save and resume edit
‘KS
QC
Quit and Continue
Save and return to
‘KD
*QS
Quit and Save
Opening Menu
Abandon file without saving
~KQ
‘QA
Quit and Abandon
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in
WordStar
“QP
Quit and Print
Miscellaneous
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Set help level
JH
‘GG
Set menu display level
Repeat following command
‘QQ
"OR
Option Repeat next key
or character
Interrupt command
‘U
Esc
Get help
■J
‘G
Get nelp
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in 1
WordStar
"OS
Option Spelling check
*OM
Option MailMerge
commands
Fig 4
Format
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Paragraph tab
*OG
Tl
Tabs and margins In left
Center text
OC
*OC
Option Center
Set left margin
"OL
‘TL
Tabs and margins Left
Set right margin
OR
"TR
Tabs and margins Right
Set margins and tabs from
OF
automatic
text line
Set tabs
Ol
‘TS
Tabs and margins Set tabs
Clear tabs
ON
TC
Tabs and margins Clear tabs
Justification On/Off
‘OJ
OJ
Option Justify
Set line spacing
“OS
Format or PH
Print Height
Page break display On/Off
‘OP
Ruler display On/Off
OT
on in formatted files
Word wrap On/Off
“OW
off in unformatted files
Print control display On/Off
OD
‘OD
Option Display
Hyphen help On/ Off
‘OH
Format
Soft hvphen entry On • Off
‘OE
‘O
Option - (hyphen)
Re form paragraph
B
automatic
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in
WordStar
‘ON
Option Note (footnote)
"OW
Option Window
‘TB
Tabs and margins
■
Both margins in
‘TD
Tabs and margins
Decimal tab stop
'TO
Tabs and margins Out left
‘TU
Tabs and margins Undo all
indentation
Fig 5
does not affect formatting (no more
embedded CTRL/Bs) and which is much
easier to check to ensure there are no
unmatched emphasis brackets.
Secondly, if you really want to go on
using underlining (despite the proven
difficulty of reading underlined text),
then WordStar 2000 will underline
spaces for you if you wish (no more
CTRL/POs between words to be under¬
lined). That improvement went down
very well in the US, so I'm told — one
punter went so far as to applaud loudly
when that feature was announced!
WordStar 2000 in use
A major drawback for most WordStar
users will be the drastic changes made
in the use of function keys and com¬
mands. Figs 2 to 7 show the corres¬
pondence between WordStar 2000 and
WordStar commands, and from them it
should be plain how great the changes
are. As the keyboard implementation
can be changed via the installation
program, it would be possible to come
close to emulating WordStar, but the
absence of any ability to change the
corresponding help features would
makethata hazardousundertaking. For
most people, the answer will be to grit
one's teeth and make the change. In
many respects, it will then become
quicker and easier to use the word
processor as there are more function
keys. (Thefunction key implementation
is not shown in the figures, but most of
the frequently used keys are available
via the function key pad on the IBM PC,
either alone or together with SHIFT,
ALT or CTRL.) For those who prefer to
use control key combinations, there are
some circumstances where WordStar
2000 uses more keystrokes to do the
corresponding operation.
Forthose of us who like, orthinkthey
would like, colourword processing, the
greater flexibility of WordStar 2000 in
this respect is a distinct advantage. In
WordStar it is possible to use different
colours for text, background and
menus, but in WordStar 2000 the
possibilities are much more extensive.
Some people will regard that as a frill,
but when you have tried it for a while it
quickly becomes almost a necessity.
Converting files
WordStar 2000 has an option for
converting WordStar document files to
its own format, and for converting
WordStar 2000 files to WordStar for¬
mat. It is hardly suprising that this
conversion is not complete, as many
WordStar 2000 features are not avail¬
able in WordStar, or are provided
differently. Where conversion is im¬
possible, the program will, where
possible, insert comments to warn you,
using the COMMENT feature in Word¬
Star 2000 and the IG command in
WordStar.
There are two main problem areas to
watch out for. The conversion program
cannot provide an appropriate format
AUGUST 1985 PCW171
IN BUSINESS
file to correspond with dot commands
in your WordStar file, so once-per-
document commands such as page
offset (.PO) and page length (.PL)
cannot be translated in that direction. A
warning is given through the COM¬
MENT facility. Despite the fact that
WordStar 2000 does allow you to
change line spacing and character pitch
within a document, these commands
are not translated as the mapping
between the two sets of commands is
incomplete. (For example, WordStar
allows you to set line heights for which
there is no direct equivalent in Word¬
Star 2000, and WordStar 2000 com¬
bines specifying character pitch with
font name, unlike WordStar.)
Secondly, parameters which are in¬
teractively changed in WordStar,
where the changes are not recorded
with the document, cause problems in
both directions, as when coming from
WordStar the program cannot detect
the options used, and when translating
from WordStar 2000 there are no
corresponding recorded options in
WordStar to set up. These problems
apply to such options as justification
(set during editing by CTRL/OJ in
WordStar) and hyphen-help (set by
CTRL/OH in WordStar). They also affect
the use of rulers, as in WordStar the
'comment' rulers are simply a reminder
rather than a feature. For this second
class of commands which cannot be
converted, you will be given warning
when translating from WordStar 2000
to WordStar but not in the reverse
direction, as WordStar does not record
these options in the stored document
file.
Conclusion
WordStar 2000 is in many respects a
more powerful packagethan WordStar,
and should be easier to use when you
have become accustomed to the differ¬
ences. On the other hand, there are
some areas in which WordStar retains a
greater flexibility, notably over charac¬
ter pitch and line spacing. The pitch
problem with WordStar 2000 should be
seriously considered if you frequently
use character widths other than 10.
As usual, there is no substitute for
trying the package out for yourself to
see how you like it. With the pointers in
this article, and your own knowledge
both of the weaknesses and the
strengths of WordStar as they affect
your word processing needs, it should
be possible to construct a reasonable
'road test' to take with you to the
demonstration.
WordStar 2000 is supplied by MicroPro
Ltd (tel: (01) 879 1122), and costs £440
(or £200 as an upgrade from Word¬
Star). The minimum system for opera¬
tion is a 256k IBM PC with two 320k disk
drives. mu
Opening Menu Commands
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Change logged disk drive
L
D
Directory/drive
File directory On/Off
F
‘V
View directory
Set help level
H
GG
Set menu display level
Open a document file
D
E
Edit/create a document
Open a non-document file
N
E unformatted
Edit/create a document
Print a file
P
P
Print a file
Rename a file
E
M
Move/rename a file
Copy a file
O
C
Copy a file
Delete a file
Y
R
Remove a file
Exit to system
X
Q
Quit
Run CorrectStar
S
S
Spelling check
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in WordStar
F
K
T
Return
*T
Fig 6
Format design
Key glossary
Typewriter mode
Use highlighted name as
answer
Transfer name to answer line
Design the Printed Page
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Boldface
PB
PB
Print Boldface
Double strike
PD
‘PE
Print Emphasis
Underline
PS
“PU
Print Underline
StTikeout
‘PX
PS
Pnnt Strikeout
Subscript
PV
‘P-
Print Subscript
Superscnpt
PT
*P +
Pnnt Superscript
Strikeover
PH
“PO
Print Overstrike
Nonbreak space
PO
‘PW
Print Word grouping
Strikeover line
P Return
“PN
Print No new line
Alternate pitch
PA
PF
Pnnt Font
Standard pitch
‘PN
“PF
Print Font
Pnnt pause
“PC
‘PP
Print Pause
Ribbon color change
PY
“PC
Print Color
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in
WordStar
‘PF
Print Font
PT
Pnnt Tray
Dot Commands
Description
WordStar
WordStar 2000
Command Name
Page offset, left margin
PO
Formal
Character width
cw
‘PF
Pnnt Font
Comment
IG or
‘OU
Option Unpnnted comment
Conditional page
CP
OK
Option Keep lines together
Footing
FO
OF
Option Footer
Heading
HE
‘OH
Option Header
Foonng margin
FM
OF
Option Footer
Heading margin
HM
‘OH
Option Header
Line height
LH
Format or PH
Print Height
Margin at top
MT
Format
Margin at bottom
MB
Format
New page
PA
OP
Option Page break
Omit page number
OP
Format
Page number
PN
Format or OA
Option Assign page number
Page number column
PC
Format
Subscript superscript roll
SR
Format
PapeT length
PL
Format
Display message
DM
‘OMM
Message
Define file
DF
‘OMS
Select data file
Read vanables
RV
“OML
Load data
Ask for vanables
AV
‘OMA
Ask for variable
Set variables
SV
‘OMU
Use value for variable
File insert
FI
OM1
Insert document
Repeat
RP
OMR
Repeat
Conditional command
IF
‘OMC
Condition
End command
EF
OME
End condition
WordStar 2000 Commands Not in
WordStar
‘OMN
Next copy
‘OMO
Otherwise
Fig 7
172 PCW AUGUST 1985
VIZAWRITE PC
WORD PROCESSING
VIZAWRITE is probably the easiest business
program that you will ever use!!
Right from the start, just type onto the screen
and your words are instantly laid out on the page.
Just like a professional typist, VIZAWRITE knows
when to end each line so that pages are produced
with neat margins, inset paragraphs and perfectly
lined up tabulations.
Now you can concentrate on what you're typing,
not how to type. Documents take on a new look of
professionalism. Produce memos, lists, letters and
complete reports with incomparable speed and ease.
VIZAWRITE can also proof-read your work,
excellent at picking out those ‘juggled’ words that
get typed when the phone rings.
Document statistics, how many words you’ve
typed, VIZAWRITE shows you — instantly.
The Document Editor Screen
VIZAWRITE is so easy to use, THE TIMES featured
it again and again in no less than three separate
articles on word processing for newcomers.
We’ve even included some of the latest software
‘fashions’, such as WINDOWS to view several
documents at once, such as PULL DOWN MENUS
that assist command selection, such as on-screen
HELP if you can’t find the manual!!... and
much more.
VIZAWRITE is an extremely advanced word
processing package with powerful layout and filing
commands, fully integrated spelling checker and
easy to use mail shot system.
Remember that VIZAWRITE has achieved an ease
of use that you won't find in any specification.
It’s intuitive, simple and fast.
i ► ► ► ►
OPEN
► ► ► i
<
CLOSE
TKis is a one page document to
to expect on tbe screen
as you type. You can see that
NEU
beading various
information is displayed about
tbe document. Tbe page
number, tbe number of pages in
and tbe position along tbe
1inc being typed <
Ibis document has been called
NERGE
will be placed on tbe disk
i
DIRECTORY
Notice that the screen is surro
rder. Later you wi11 see
other screens with many borders
JYPE
nown as windows and help
you to work on several parts of
all at tbe same time i
This is the document editor. Helping you to
compose your work i
1 1 1 End of Page)
[ ...
The Command Menu
SOFTWARE
Call us now, or fill in the
coupon for more details.
VIZA SOFTWARE LTD.
Chatham House, 14 New Road,
Chatham, Kent ME4 4QR.
Telephone: (0634) 45002
SCREENTEST
Papettack Writer
Paperback Writerpnay be one ofthe cheapest vyordjprocessinp package
around^ but does itprovide a fjjj[ text editing service for the IBIV[ PC_ user?
Sinnon Cravep weighs up price agamstperforrnance.
Paperback Writer is a simple, straight¬
forward text editing/word processing
package with a big difference — the
price. The IBM PC user normally ex¬
pects to pay between £100 and £500 for
word processing software, depending
on thefacilities required, but Paperback
Writer retails in the UK at £33.80. This
puts it in the same price range as quite a
few packages written for home compu¬
ters, many of which are completely
unsuitable for serious use.
At this price level it is hard to take any
IBM PC program seriously, but Adam
Osborne, returning to the limelight with
Paperback Software, intendsto publish
a wide range of serious business
software for the IBM PC and compati¬
bles, and talks with a perfectly straight
face about selling software at prices
related to the cost of production, not
some artificial 'perceived value'.
This is all very well in theory, but if the
£30 software turns out to be only one
tenth as good as a £300 alternative, you
will end up having to dig deeper into
your pocket than you expected. Paper¬
back Writer can't possibly be all things
toall men, and fortunately itdoesn'ttry.
Rather than attempting to include all
the facilities of a full-blown WordStar
rival, cutting down on the power and
usefulness of each module to keep it
cheap and simple, Paperback Writer
takes the attitude that not many people
ever use more than half the facilities of
sophisticated programs anyway. It dis¬
penses with spelling checkers, word
counters, mailmerge routines and
other advanced features, leaving a core
of features which work well and which
should satisfy the requirements of
many PC users.
The packaging of Paperback Writer is
as unconventional as its price. Instead
of the usual bulky ring binder with its
loose-leaf pages, the package is a neat
paperback book. The back cover is
made of very thick cardboard, and is
hollow. A small panel tears out to reveal
the diskette lurking inside in a foil bag.
The 100 pages of text include a refer¬
ence guide and a brief tutorial.
Running Paperback Writer for the
. . Paperback Writer
takes the attitude that
not many people ever
use more than half the
facilities of
sophisticated programs
anyway. ’
first time is much easierthan with more
complicated packages. A choice of two
installation programs lets you set up
thesoftwareto run usingeitherafloppy
or hard disk as the primary storage
medium, and lets you install DOS on the
master disk so you can boot the system
directly from just one disk. Printer
installation is not included as the only
special printing effects allowed by the
editorare bold and underlined printing,
and Paperback Software expects you to
have a printer capable of those simple
effects. All the program needs to know
is the port your printer is attached to,
and whether you have a colour display.
Installing Paperback Writer on the
hard disk is a little more involved. This
process makes C the default drive for
text files, and it is possible to copy the
Paperback Writer program files over to
the hard disk to improve speed during
the few disk accesses made by the
software. Unfortunately, just copying
the files to the hard disk does not mean
that the original floppy disk becomes
redundant. Surprisingly, the distribu¬
tion disk contains a copy-protection
scheme despite the low cost of the
software. It would be hardly worth
anyone's time to pirate a copy of this
program, especially as any unofficial
users would have to do without the
documentation. Nevertheless, a soft¬
ware key is incorporated on the original
disk, and no matter what disk or drive
the software is running on, it looks at
drive A to check the key at random
intervals. If the original disk is notthere
the whole thing bombs out, losing any
unsaved work into the bargain.
If the original disk meets its Waterloo
at the hands of a cup of coffee or the
household cat, you lose the ability to
run the software. On the user registra¬
tion form of the US edition, there is an
invitation to buy a spare copy for $5
against the day when your original gets
chewed up or just plain worn out. A
similar scheme will be available for
users in this country, where the pack¬
age is being distributed by Softsel.
Setting up
When you start up Paperback Writer,
the first thing you see is a menu offering
three options — Directory, Editor and
Quit. Selection is made by moving an
inverse video box from one word to
another with the left and right cursor
keys, and hitting RETURN when
appropriate.
The Editor option first makes you
declare a filenatne, using any drive,
filename and extender within the nor¬
mal MS-DOS/PC-DOS restrictions. If
you do use extenders, it is wise to make
sure that the extender isn't the only
thing distinguishing onefilenamefrom
another. Like WordStar, Paperback
Writer takes the last version of an
updated file and holds it on disk as a
*.BAK file, so if you make changes to a
file called TEST.PCW and then edit a file
174 PCW AUGUST 1985
called TEST.SPC, the TEST.BAK file
created by the latter will overwrite the
back-up of the earlier file.
When you type in the filename it is
opened on disk, or created if no
previous file of that name can be found.
The main editing sceen is clear and
uncluttered. A status line at the top of
the display shows the current filename,
and a line at the bottom shows the state
of on/off toggles for boldface, underlin¬
ing, insert/overwrite, and document or
non-document mode. Document mode
issetto on forwriting ordinary text such
as letters or articles, and set to off for
editing program source files, which do
not benefit from the insertion of printer
control codes. In non-document mode,
automatic wordwrap, justification, cen¬
tring and paragraph reformatting areall
disabled.
Below the lower status line are
highlighted boxes containing the de¬
finitions of the PC'seightfunction keys.
Some of the function keys have up to
four different definitions, depending on
whether they are used alone or in
conjunction with SHIFT, CTRL or ALT.
The legends in the highlighted boxes
automatically change as appropriate
when you press the ALT or SHIFT keys.
Typing in a few lines reveals that with
Paperback Writer, the correlation be¬
tween screen appearance and printed
version is not quite perfect. The left and
right margins are faithfully reproduced
onscreen, together with tabulations
(which can be set at up to 20 stops along
a line). The maximum document width
is 132 characters, with automatic hori¬
zontal scrolling for widths in excess of
the 80 characters that the screen can
display at any one time.
Normally, anyone requiring a
132-column document would find it
easier to write it in 80 columns and
then carry out a global reformat upon
completion.
When justification is selected it is
reproduced onscreen, as are underlin¬
ing and boldface. However, line spac¬
ing is selected at the print stage so does
not appear onscreen.
The plain, unshifted function keysare
used for functions you are likely to use
all the time, such as the mode toggles
already mentioned. Others include the
setting of left and right margins, line
centring, forcing a page break, and a
WordStar-like paragraph reformat
which shuffles text back into the
appropriate margins after it has been
disturbed by additions or deletions.
One function key is devoted to a help
facility which displays an explanation
onscreen of any function key com¬
mand. Oddly, the PRINT command is
included as the final function key
command; it would have been more
conventional to put this facility on the
opening menu. As it is, background
printing is not possible.
Using the CONTROL key with a
function key gives you one of the block
commands. The start and finish of a
block of text are marked with CTRL-F3
and CTRL-F4 (though logically, there
really only needs to be one marker key,
with the selected block being defined as
the space between two markers). CTRL-
F5 cancels a block selection. You can
copy, moveordeletea block,orchange
the whole thing to any permutation of
bold and underlined text, and an 'oops'
facility is provided by CTRL-F10 which
restores the most recently deleted
word, line or block under most cir¬
cumstances.
The shifted function keys are con¬
cerned with search and replace opera¬
tions. Paperback Writer only lets you
search and/or replace moving forwards
through the document, although you
have a choice between one-off opera-
‘If you don’t want to do
automatic mailshots,
there seems to be little
reason to buy a more
expensive word
processor . . .'
tions and global operations which can,
if desired, ask for confirmation of each
text replacement.
A useful and unusual feature is the
ability to search for or replace special
control codes as well as ordinary text.
For example, if you want to remove all
the hard carriage returns (those entered
by the user at the ends of paragraphs) or
forced page breaks, you can do so as
easily as if you were searching for any
other string of characters.
The final batch of function key
commands are those signalled by ALT
plus the function keys. These are
commands which affect the whole file
— a global reformat to new margins,
saving a file, updating the disk record of
a file while keeping it as the edit
Star),abandoningafileorlookingatthe
directory.
Cursor movement around a docu¬
ment is very easy and quick, with a wide
selection of possible commands. Any¬
one who learnt word processing with
WordStar on an old CP/M machine with
no cursor keys will be delighted to find
that the same cursor movement sequ¬
ences apply. CTRL-S moves the cursor
back one character, CTRL-D moves it
forward, and so on.
Most users will prefer to use the PC's
cursor pad. CTRL with a cursor key
moves the cursor a word at a time.
Using the special keys in the cursor pad,
HOME, END, PGUP and PGDN, you can
move up and down the document in
large or small increments as you wish.
DEL deletes from the cursor forwards,
and BACKSPACE deletes backwards. It
is all very flexible and will be instantly
familiar to the hordes of WordStar
users, but manages to be easier to use.
One small niggle is that text entry
normally has to be carried out in
overwrite mode, rather than the insert
mode preferred by many users. This is
because wordwrap is disabled when
text is being inserted.
The slender manual is very clear, with
a comprehensive index and contents
page making it easy to find any required
information. The program's help facil¬
ity and logical use of the keyboard
makes it largely self-documenting
anyway.
Conclusion
If you don't want to do automatic
mailshots, there seems to be little
reason to buy a more expensive word
processorthan Paperback Writer. If you
want something more powerful, your
needs might be fulfilled by a more
sophisticated package due from the
same publishers. Executive Writer, the
deluxe version, will cost £59.25, but I
hadnofurtherinformationatthetimeof
AUGUST 1985 PC W175
Of mice
and graphics
77?e mouse is often seen as anothepsuperfluous peripheral, but
Stephep Applebaurn looks af a rangp qfrnousepdriven graphics
programs thap !ook_ set to nibbje away^ at tjiip concept
Since the early days of micro mice, the
beasts have gnawed their way through
the market, making their mark on
machines like Apple's Macintosh be¬
fore coming to rest on some of the
smaller micros, such as the BBC and
Commodore 64. Not surprisingly, some
of the first mouse-related software
written for these machines was
graphics-orientated, often bearing
more than a passing resemblance to
Apple's MacPaint.
The prime example of a mouse-
based graphics package for a cheaper
machine is Advanced Memory Sys¬
tems' AMX Art package, at £89.95 for
the BBC. This has been around for some
time but has recently been enhanced by
the introduction of two disk packages,
AMX Utilities (£14.95) and AMX Desk
(£24.95), for use with the mouse.
AMX Utilities is an extension to AMX
Art, the MacPaint-like graphics package
bundled with the AMS mouse.
Although this set of tools extends the
range of available functions, it does
little to patch up the shortcomings of
the mouse hardware (that is, the steel
ball-bearing it uses as a tracking de¬
vice). Unless the mouse is used on a
matt surface the cursor often stops, and
can only be recovered by vigorously
spinning the ball-bearing.
Hardware aside, the AMX system is
very neat, but you do need the original
AMX ROM package before either suite
will operate with your system.
The most appealing aspect of the
AMX software is the freedom it offers
first-time users. In this respect it is very
close to the Macintosh operating sys¬
tem and GEM, and although not as
versatile, it does introduce that air of
user-friendliness made possible by a
mouse and icons. For example, after
loading AMX Utilities, the directory is
displayed onscreen as a set of easily
identifiable characters representing the
various options available. Any of these
programs can be loaded by simply
moving the cursor over an icon and
pressing a button on the mouse.
The utility that users will probably
find themselves returning to most is
AMX Art 2, which is virtually a debug¬
ged version of the original art program
plus a few extra functions.
Macintosh owners who use AMX Art
2 are often impressed (and a little
niggled) by its similarity to MacPaint.
The screen display, although not iden¬
tical, features the same white area
reserved for pictures, bordered by the
familiar icons which represent such
things as an aerosol can, a rubber and a
Top to bottom: the AMX mouse, the Megamouse and the Magic Mouse
176 PCW AUGUST 1985
paint brush. A series of boxes runs
along the bottom of the screen, each
containing one of 32 fill patterns, and
this is where the difference between the
old AMX Art program and the new one
is apparent.
Unlike the original program which
was limited to 32 fill patterns, the new
one, using a LOAD FILLS function,
utilises three times that number. Fur¬
thermore, you can create an unlimited
number of new shadings with a pattern
designer which is included on the same
disk.
If you already have pictures saved
from previous attempts with AMX Art,
they can beloaded intoAMX Art2witha
command embedded in one of the
latter's pull-down menus. This gives
increased flexibility, as well as a chance
to try out your new patterns on some
old drawings.
Although there are countless possibi¬
lities in the number of patterns that can
be produced, the BBC's limited mem¬
ory confines them to black and white.
AMS has provided a small, colour
drawing package on the disk which is
aimed at children, but nothing that will
suit the serious designer.
Complementing AMX Art 2 area host
of smaller although no less useful
routines, most of which were conspi¬
cuous by their absence from its prede¬
cessor. One of the most obvious
oversights being the exclusion of a
ZOOM command, this and other handy
routines have now been included,
many of which can be found in the
Goodies menu of a program called
Utils.
Also resident in the Goodies menu is
COPY, a powerful command which
makes use of an extensive set of special
effects. Apart from being able to copy
over, invert or wipe a picture, part or all
of it can be duplicated and rotated
through a number of different angles at
almost any position onscreen. Two
further routines allow ellipses and arcs
to be drawn quickly and quite accurate¬
ly, without the user having to do
anything other than plot a few points.
If animation is your forte, a Slide
utility lets you string together up to 25
AMX pictures and then view them
consecutively, producing the illusion of
movement in much the same way as a
child's flick book. Scrolling between
frames can be either manual or automa¬
tic. A time interval must be entered for
the latter method but, as the manual
warns, short intervals between slides
can cause severe wear on the disk if
used for long periods. As a counter¬
measure, AMS suggests that the mini¬
mum interval between frames should
be 15 seconds, a period of time which
will prevent damage to your disk but
still produce some jerky animation.
AMX Art 2 contains a printer driver
which allows any picture to be repro¬
duced on hard copy, in formats of one or
eighttimestheoriginal size. In addition,
a utility called XdGen gives users with
screendump ROMs the option to create
a program to dump pictures to non-
Epson standard printers.
As much of the AMX mouse operat¬
ing software is held in ROM, it is
possible to incorporate the device into
user programs. New commands can be
accessed using the prefix, two of
which, *MOUSE ON and *MCURSOR
ON, switch on the mouse and use it for
cursor key functions respectively. Own¬
ers of Wordwise, Wordwise-Plus and
View will be able to utilise the mouse
instead of the BBC's four arrow keys.
Another * command allows each of the
mouse's three buttons to be program¬
med for a specific function (for exam¬
ple, set marker or move block), replac¬
ing the chore of having to fumble for a
red function key with asingleflickofthe
finger.
As Advanced Memory Systems'
other program, AMX Desk, moves
away from art programs into the world
of desk-top environments, I won't go
into it in detail here, but it does have
interesting electronic equivalents of
those little necessities like a memo pad,
a diary, a telephone/address book and
even a pull-down calculator.
If you are put off AMS software
because of its lack of colour, you'll be
pleased to know that Watford Electro¬
nics has produced colouring software
designed to work with the AMX pack¬
age. It's called Colour Art, it comes on
disk and costs £14.95. And another
AUGUST 1985 PCW177
company, Wigmore House, has pro¬
duced a mouse (or trackball) controlled
package called Cadmouse, which offers
many of the same functions as AMX Art
2 (as well as a few useful extras), plus
the luxury of colour.
Wigmore House's mouse, immod¬
estly named Megamouse, works on
virtually any surface thanks to the use of
a rubber rather than steel ball. It grips
better and is quieter, a point which has
led to it being dubbed the 'whispering
mouse'. This rather chic and accurate
(100 points per inch) mouse must be
one of the few all-British peripherals to
have earned the distinction of being
used on several Japanese computers,
including Epson's new QX-16 (Ben-
chtested PCW, July).
Certain inevitable similarities crop up
between Cadmouse and the graphics
package looked at previously. Howev¬
er, ultimately they are each aimed at
different markets; the AMX system
being orientated toward the popular
and, to a lesser extent, small business
fields, while the Megamouse seems to
be scuttling in behind the Bitstik as a
low-cost piece of 'serious' design soft¬
ware— or so claims Wigmore House.
Cadmouse is well equipped for sim- *
pie design work as it can operate in the
BBC's high-resolution (640x256) mode
1. The number of colours in this mode is
limited to two, but that is unlikely to
worry the type of user the package is
aimed at. Draughtsmen could find
Cadmouse useful for making rough
plans with as it features not only all the
usual things such as rubber lines,
circles, ellipses, arcs, polygons, and so
on, but also technical symbols like
centre lines, hatched fills and even
dimension lines which can be drawn at
angles of 0, 45 or 90 degrees. Text can
also be added at the same three angles,
allowing drawings to be fully anno¬
tated.
There are two types of fill-in Cad¬
mouse— hatched and solid. Both these
are quite simple fills, having been
written in a way that forsakes accuracy
for speed. The result is that, when trying
to colour large areas, gaps are left and
have to be filled separately, negating
the original idea of saving time.
Cadmouse also operates in the low-
resolution mode 2, but where resolu¬
tion is lost, memory is freed, enabling
four instead of two colours to appear
simultaneously. This mode is perfect
for general drawing, and users should
find that the different functions avail¬
able suit most of their needs.
Of all Cadmouse's tools, I found
DRAG, DUPLICATE and INVERT to be
the most powerful for manipulating
parts of my drawings during both
creation and editing. As it implies,
DRAG allows specific areas of the
screen to be windowed and then
literally moved to another position. Its
sister command, DUPLICATE, does
much the same, exceptthistime it is an
image of the window's contents that is
moved, leaving the original in place.
The third function, INVERT, works like
DUPLICATE in that it produces a copy,
the difference being that it is a mirror
image of the original.
Cadmouse is an impressive package,
but there are several frustrating fea¬
tures which could have been im¬
plemented better, or differently. For
example, when confirming some com¬
mands, instead of double-clicking the
mouse's execute button, you have to
movethecursortoan icon representing
a tick, which can mean moving it from
one corner of the screen to another.
Being disk-based it is also quite slow, as
you have to wait for data to be loaded
each time a function is selected.
Users with printers other than an
Epson or one of the compatibles have
once again been left out in the cold. It is
possible to integrate your own printer
driver, but that could mean having to
write it yourself.
None of these points is anything
more than annoying, and I would
recommend Cadmouse (£103.73 in¬
cluding mouse) to anyone who enjoys
dabbling with graphic design on a
computer. Forthosewhoare rather less
ambitious, there's a cut-down art pack¬
age called Mousepaint. This is more
suitable for children and can be bought
on its own with the mouse for £86.94 on
tape or disk, or together with Cadmouse
for £114.54. Further software, possibly
including ROM-based applications, is
planned, but as to what it could be,
Wigmore House's door is staying shut.
Whereas the BBC Micro is becoming
infested with mice, the little beasties
seem to be thin on the ground where the
Commodore 64 is concerned. A few are
available, and I had hoped that they
would provide another useful alterna¬
tive for Commodore 64 owners. But the
first I've seen, SMC's Magic Mouse,
failed to live up to my expectations, as
neitherthe software nor the hardware is
really up to scratch.
Compared with the BBC packages,
the Magic Mouse is cheap at £59.95
(including tape and disk versions), but
you getwhatyoupayfor. Several things
are wrong with SMC's mouse, the most
obvious disadvantage being its size.
Unlike the Megamouse which fits
snuggly under the palm of the hand, the
large, heavy, rat-like Magic Mouse feels
bulky and uncomfortable. It's weight
can be attributed to a rubber-coated
ball-bearing which sits in a recess
toward the back of the mouse's base.
Thisodd positioning ofthe ball-bearing
makes the Magic Mouse more difficult
to control than Wigmore House's,
although at least it does not have to be
wrestled with like the AMX Mouse.
With regard to the software, the
Hi-Res Graphic Designer is similar to
the Koala graphics pad. Most of the
program is menu-driven and, although
itworks using icons, you have to toggle
between the main menu and drawing
screen to select an option. Most of the
functions offered within the program
are ofthe basic Draw, Spray and Circle
variety, but these are ruined by either
the low (160x200) resolution or the
inaccurate mouse. Fine work is not
really possible with the mouse, so
various keys on the 64's keyboard have
been implementedto movethecursora
single pixel in one of eight directions.
If you manage to design anything
worth saving, the Hi-Res Graphic Desig¬
ner allows pictures to be saved to disk or
tape, or dumped to a printer. There are
two printer drivers within the program,
one of which dumps a screen to a
Commodore printer while the other
works with a Centronics device.
Both the sprite and icon designer
programs are very similar, each allow¬
ing characters to be drawn and used
within user programs. In both cases,
the sprite or icon is designed on a grid
24 x 21 characters in size. This can be
saved, and then called back into a
program using several special pokes.
The last program, the mouse control¬
ler, gives the user access to the
interrupt-driven mouse control
routines. In otherwords, itallowsyou to
utilise the monster in your own prog¬
rams, once again using the odd POKE.
Conclusion
The combination of a mouse and icons
would appear to be a step toward
making computers easier to operate,
especially for those who dread the idea
of having to tackle a keyboard. How¬
ever, unless enough thought is put into
the design of both the hardware and
software, the result can be that the
mouse is little more than just another
peripheral hanging off your micro.
Neither the AMX Mouse nor Mega¬
mouse fall into the category of super¬
fluous equipment, although the useful¬
ness of the Magic Mouse is debatable.
Of all the packages I looked at,
Wigmore House's Megamouse man¬
ages to retain the best balance between
the quality of the software and mouse
hardware, but I still prefer the AMX
software because of the cheeky way in
which it reproduces many ofthe effects
normally attributed to machines with
bit-mapped screens.
For further details about the products
reviewed , phone:
Advanced Memory Systems — (0925)
602690
Wigmore House — (01) 734 8826
SMC Supplies — (01) 441 1282
Watford Electronics — (0923) 37774GM
178 PCW AUGUST 1985
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I/O Interface
Connectors
(Full PC compatible)
(compatible with all
IBM-PC* plug-in cards)
Special J1
Interface
(Allows horizontal mount¬
ing of compatible expan¬
sion cards for easy bus
expansion and custom
configuring) (Board has
62 pin gold plated compat¬
ible connector)
LI
Extended ROM
Capability
(Runs all compatible PC
ROMS) (Jumper program¬
mable to accommodate all
popular 8K, 16K, 32K and
64K ROM chips and NEW
EE ROMS! VPP power pin
available for EP ROM
burning!) (External
VPP voltage required)
Full Mega-Byte Ram Capacity!
On board!
(With parity)
□ 256K Bytes using 64K chips
□ 1 Mega Bytes using 256K chips
THOUSANDS
SOLD
WORLD WIDE!
Hardware Reset
(Overcomes reset flaw
in PC)
Power Connector
(Full IBM* pinout
compatible)
8088 Processor
(Same as PC)
8087 Numeric
Processor
(Same as PC)
Peripheral
Support Circuits
(Same as PC)
Configuration
Switches
(Same as PC)
Speaker/Audio
Port
(Same as PC)
Wire Wrap Area
To facilitate special custom
applications!
£ 85 . 00 ) 4
+ VAT
Evaluation Board Kit!
(Blank board with full assembly
instructions and parts list.)
Includes highest quality PC board
with gold plating, silk screen
solder mask
Board Size 10.5 inch X 13,5 inch
SOUTH DEVON MICROCENTRE LTD
THE OLD POSTERN £
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TOTNES =t'S&k\=
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FOR DETAILS
PRICE LIST
Bare Board Kit
Assembled Tested Socketed
Fully Assembled and Tested
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Manual
Mega-Bios Rom
Case
Keyboard
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Graphics Card
Disk Controller
Disk Drives
Hard Disk Controller
Power Supply
}
+ VAT/Carriage
£79.00
£158.00
£412.00
£85.00
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Call for prices
£124.00
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*IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines
©1984 Display Telecommunications Corporation
SCREENTEST
Lotus^ long-awaited^ Jazz ijntegrated^ package ijs an attempt to launch the
Mac in tos h into executives ' favour . P eter Bright t e sts th e com p etenc e of
thjs worP^rocessorVd^tabase/spreadsheet/comms software.
I can't think of a single piece of micro
software that has been waited for
longer or had more expected of it than
Lotus' new Jazz integrated software
package for the Macintosh.
Apple hopes it is the product to get
the Macintosh on the executives' desks,
something that Apple has always
lusted after, and the press has been
waiting for a heavyweight name other
than Microsoft to throw itself behind
the Mac.
Now it's here.
Packaging
Whenever an expensive piece of soft¬
ware arrives in the office, I always worry
about how much of the punters' hard-
earned cash is being spent on flashy
packaging that gets thrown in a cup¬
board and is never seen again.
This is especially true of Jazz, where
you have to peel off three layers of
cardboard, plastic and rubber before
you can get at the program disks. The
first layer is a very flashy-looking red
and black cardboard box with the Jazz
logo plastered all over it. Take off the
cardboard lid and you are faced with a
black-ribbed rubber folder with a red
stripe down the side which holds the
manuals. I thought this looked quite
trashy, but the art-conscious types in
the office told me that black rubber
ribbing is terribly trendy. C'est la vie.
Other little knick-knacks in the box
include a small black plastic wallet to
hold your Jazz disks, for which I could
find no good use, and four snazzy Jazz
disk labels.
Included in the box are no less than
six manuals: a primer, a handbook, a
quick reference guide, an update sheet,
and leaflets on how to start up the
* rile Edit Window Type Plot Axis Font Style
0QQD
A
3
Sales
4
Costs
5
Profits
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
a
Fig 1 A graphics window with a spreadsheet window underneath
system and convert data from other
packages. The standard of production
for the manuals is the highest I have
ever seen, with very high-quality paper,
glossy covers and liberal use of colour
photographs. It must cost a fortune to
produce. The quality of the text was
generally good too, with plenty of
screenshots to illustrate different
points. But good as the manuals are, I
can't help wondering if they are rather
over the top for a Macintosh applica¬
tion. I only needed a manual on very
rare occasions, usually just to confirm
that what I was doing was right.
The program
The minimum system configuration
needed to run Jazz is a 512k Mac with
twin diskdrives. Four disks are included
in the Jazz box, marked 'Start-up',
'Program' and 'Back-up Disk'. A tutorial 1
disk was also supplied.
To get Jazz running, you need to put
the start-up disk in one drive and the
program disk in the other. Lotus tells
you to put the start-up disk in the
internal and the program in the exter¬
nal, but in practice it doesn't matter
which way you do it.
The start-up disk contains all the
usual Macintosh system files and a
couple of Jazz utility files. There is
nothing to stop you making your own
start-up disk—any Mac disk containing
the system files will do. The only point
to remember is that Lotus has custo¬
mised the standard Mac 'system'file, so
if you use the system from another disk,
you will need to run the Jazz System
Update utility which is supplied on the
start-up disk.
The program disk is the one that
actually holds the Jazz program files.
This disk is copy-protected, but Lotus
does provided a back-up should you
mangle the original.
Starting Jazz is done in the traditional
manner by double-clicking the Jazz
180 PCW AUGUST 1985
Fig 2 A worksheet window
icon on the Finder desk-top. When you
have done this, you sit back and wait for
the program to load. Eventually a blank
desk-top is displayed, complete with
Tile' and 'Window' pull-down menus.
The two main options in the File
pull-down menu are 'New' and 'Open';
Newcreates a newfile, and Open allows
you to load a previously saved file.
Windows
Assuming you want to create a newfile,
you select New. This then displays a
window containing different icons for
the different types of document you can
create; worksheet, graphics, database,
form, word processing or communica¬
tions. To open a new document, you
simply double-click the icon for the type
of document you want. The system will
then open a window on the screen
containing a blank spreadsheet, word
processor document or whatever, and
you can start typing.
When a new window is opened by the
system, it only takes up about half the
screen. You can play around with the
size and position of the window in
normal Mac fashion, or you can zoom it
up to full-screen size by using the'Zoom
Up' option from the Window pull-down
menu.
One of the main features of Jazz is
that it is possible to have many different
documents open onscreen at the same
time. Each document has its own
window on the screen, which means
that you could have, say, a word
processor document, a spreadsheet
and a graphics window all open and
onscreen simultaneously. You can
switch between the documents by
simply selecting the appropriate win¬
dow with the mouse.
Therearetwo main limitationsonthe
use of multiple windows. Firstly, the
number of documents you have open
on the screen depends on the amount of
free memory in the Mac. With no
documents open, the Mac has about
256k of RAM free. Each document you
have open obviously takes up some
RAM. If you only have small spread¬
sheet models, databases or word pro¬
cessing documents, you can obviously
have more windows open than if you
have large documents.
One drawback of Jazz is that it isn't
virtual and is therefore totally RAM-
bound; the other limitation is that Jazz
isn't concurrent. This means that
although you can have multiple docu¬
ments open atthesametime,theMacis
only processing the foreground docu-
ment you are working on : the others are
inertly sitting in RAM waiting to be
worked on. This means that it isn't
possible, for example, to print one word
processor document while working on
another, which is rather disappointing.
The best way to describe how Jazz
works is to run through each of the
different document types, and describe
how they work and how they link to
each other.
Worksheet
As you would expect from Lotus, the
Jazz spreadsheet is quite comprehen¬
sive. Jazz includes a utility which will
convert Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony and
Multiplan SLYK files into the Jazz
format. You can transfer the files from
your IBM PC, either by using the built-in
Jazz comms or by using a package such
as PC to Mac and Back.
Nominally, the Jazz spreadsheet ex¬
tends to 8192 rows by 256 columns, but
as with Lotus 1-2-3 there is no way you
can use all these cells. Even if you take a
totally empty worksheet and try to enter
one number into the last cell, you will
get an 'out of memory' error from the
system. The actual maximum, with no
other windows open, is around 61,000
cells which can be arranged as you
please, for example as a 240 x 256 grid.
When a worksheet is open, the screen
can be divided into three separate
areas: the top line is taken up by the
standard Mac-style pull-down menu
bar; the next two lines are taken up by
the 'console' which contains control
icons and editing boxes; and the rest of
the screen is the normal Mac desk-top
containing the document windows.
I mustsaythattheJazzspreadsheetis
the easiest-to-use spreadsheet I have
ever come across. You can use the
mouse to do virtually anything bar
enter the figures, and there are no less
than three different methods of getting
around the sheet. In addition to the
usual scroll bars, there is an 'end
navigator' which moves to the corners
of entered data blocks, and a 'corner
navigator' which allows you to move
around a selected range.
Setting up a spreadsheet is very easy.
If you don't like a column width, you just
Fig 3 A database window
AUGUST 1985 PCW181
drag the column separation line around
with the mouse until it is the right width.
You can select a range of cells simply by
dragging the cell selector box over the
cells while holding down the button.
Copying and moving blocks of cells is
simplicity itself—just use the standard i
Mac 'Cut', 'Copy' and Taste' options
from the 'Edit' menu. Replicating cell
values and formulas is done in the same
way, and is just as easy.
The great thing about the spread¬
sheet is that it has all the usual
spreadsheet-type power, mathematic¬
al functions and 'What if?' type ability,
but the Macintosh environment makes
all this functionality much more ac¬
cessible and easy to use.
The one disappointment I had with
the spreadsheet is that although you
can have multiple spreadsheets open at
the same time, there is no way that the
cell references can cross-reference
each other from sheet to sheet. This
means that the type of consolidation
allowed by packages such as Ashton
Tate's Framework isn't possible under
Jazz, which is surprising given the
integration facilities that are provided
on the word processor.
Graphics
Unlike products such as Lotus 1-2-3 in
which the graphics are part of the
spreadsheet, Jazz graphics is treated as
an independent document and given its
own window.
Let's pretend that you want to make a
graph of some of your spreadsheet
data. Firstly, you need to open your
spreadsheet documentandthen open a
new graphics document in order that
both windows are displayed onscreen.
To make a graph, you highlight a range
on the spreadsheet, switch to the
graphics window, and selectthetypeof
SCREENTEST
graph you want from the 'Plot' pull¬
down menu. Ifyou wantto plotanother
range on the same graph, simply repeat
the process and both ranges will be
plotted. It really is very simple.
Jazz allows you to plot a much wider
range of graph types than are usually
available. In addition to the normal pie,
line and bar charts, you can also plot
area charts, scatter graphs and stock
market style graphs.
When you've finished the basic
graphing, you can make it look more
interesting by entering legends and
titles, and annotating any of the entries.
All the usual Macintosh fonts and text
sizes are available, so you can make
your graph look quite pretty.
Word processor
The word processor contains some of
the nicest and some of the nastiest
features of Jazz. My first impression
was that it looked very similar to
MacWrite. The top line is the standard
Mac pull-down menu, the second line
contains icons very similar to MacWrite
which allowyou to set the line spacing,
justification, and so on, and the rest of
the document is a standard Macintosh
window.
The top line of the word processor
window contains a one-line ruler that
looks very like MacWrite. You can use
this to set margins, tabs and paragraph
i File Edit Window Format Search HotUiew Font Style
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Document 1
The Jazz wordprocessor looks just like Macwrite...
Its best feature is ’Hotview’ - you can include:
Worksheet data
100000
110000;
121000:
133100
45792
52660.8
! 60559.92
I 69643.908
54208
57339.2;
: 60440.08
! 63456.092
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or scaled graphs
ga •••••
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g
he m
Fig 4 A word processor window
indents in exactly the same way as
MacWrite; you can also paste in new
rulers as you go along to alter the layout
of the text in a specific way.
By far the nicest feature of the Jazz
word processor is the 'Hotview' option
on the pull-down menu. This allows you
to include information from other
documents in a letter or report that you
are writing on the word processor.
The standard way to do this on the
Macintosh is to use the clipboard, and
to cut and paste information from other
applications into the word processor.
As Jazz was designed as an integrated
product, there is no need to use the
clipboard in this case.
Suppose that we want to include
some spreadsheet data, and a graph on
that data. Firstly, you have to make sure
that all the documents you are going to
call are open on the screen. You write
your report until you get to the place
where you want to insert the spread¬
sheet data, and you select the spread¬
sheet window and highlight the range
you want to copy. Then you simply go
back to the word processor document
and select 'Include' from the Hotview
pull-down menu, and an image of the
spreadsheet appears in your text.
The same thing happens with the
graph: you type some more text, select
the graph and then Include it in the
document. The great thing about the
graphs is that they can be scaled, so you
can play around with the size in the
word processor document.
All this is fairly standard Macintosh.
The neat part isthat if at a laterdateyou
change the data in the spreadsheet, that
change is automatically reflected in the
word processor document. This is true
even if you don't have the word
processor document open when you
make the change to the spreadsheet.
The only time this can't be done is if the
word processor document and the
spreadsheet document are on different
disks, in which case the system tel Is you
that it can't update the data in the word
processor.
Hotview also has a mailmerge-type
facility which allows you to insert data
from the spreadsheet or the database
into merge-printed word processor
documents.
Now for the not-so-neat features of
the Jazz word processor.
Firstly, it crashes. Admittedly you
have to get devious, but it definitely
crashes. I was experimenting with the
word processor one afternoon, and I
kept my finger on the'.' button so that it
auto-repeated to fill about three-quar¬
ters of the screen width. Thefirst thing I
found was that it wasn't possible to
placethe editing cursor anywhere in the
middle of the line of dots, although it
worked normally in the test of the text
onscreen. Secondly, I put the cursor at
the start of the line of dots and hit the
space bar a few times. The system
182 PCW AUGUST 1985
Fig 5 A communications document
completely crashed out, messed upthe
screen and started bleeping plaintively.
The only thing to do was to reset.
This happened each time I repeated
the process. When I phoned Lotus UK,
the same thing happened on the
company'smachineand itsaid it would
look into it. As far as I know, it is still
looking into it. Although I must admit
that the circumstances leading to the
crash are slightly unusual, you must be
worried by any system that crashes out
completely without being caught.
Other assorted niggles include no
page numbering, soyoucan'ttell which
page you're on. The editing procedure
is inefficient: the system sometimes
re-draws the entire screen when you
make a small change. This generally
leads to a very slow response time,
which can get extremely bad if you are
working atthe end of a long document.
Finally, text seems to be stored
internally in a very strange way.
Although you begin with about 256k of
RAM free, it runs out after 20-25 pages
of single-spaced text. This could be a
limitation if you write long documents.
Database
Kathy Lang will be looking at the Jazz
database in more detail soon, so I'll just
feature some of the highlights here.
Assuming that you are creating a new
database, the first thing you have to do
is to enter names and details for all the
fields in the record. The field data you
have to specify includes the display
width, but Jazz can store up to 254
characters per field, regardless of the
display width setting.
When you have finished setting up
thefieldsforthe database, Jazz displays
a spreadsheet-type screen with thefield
names running along the top and
records running down the side.
You can now enter data directly into
the database simply by entering it into
the spreadsheet-style cells. Although
this works, it's rather strange entering
data into what looks like a spreadsheet.
If you don't like this, you can create a
more traditional data entry form which
sits on top of the sheet and enters data
into the database.
To do this, you need to open up a
form-type document. When this opens,
Jazz automatically looks at the
open database and transfers the field
names to the data entry form, with data
entry boxes nexttothemsothatyou can
enter data. You can either take the form
that Jazz creates for you, or customise it
in some way. Data is entered by
TABbing between fields plus the 'Add
Record' option from the Edit pull-down
menu, or by hitting COMMAND N from
the keyboard.
When you have entered your data
onto the 'spreadsheet', you can play
around with fields and records in much
the same way as a normal spreadsheet
by highlighting them using the mouse,
and so on. You can also set up
calculated fields and formulas.
In addition to the spreadsheet-type
operations, you can sort the records in
the database and apply specific search
criteria to the data. Reports can be set
up in much the same way as a
spreadsheet.
Communications
The final feature of Jazz is its com¬
munications abilities. Like the other
features, communications is docu¬
ment-based so you just open it into a
window.
The communications window can be
set up to either emulate a DEC VT52 or
VT100 terminal. VT52 will do for most
dial-up services, with VT100 being very
handy for accessing more specialised
services.
Jazz communications can drive
either auto-dial/auto-answer or regular
modems. As supplied, it has drivers for
Hayes or Apple auto-dial modems and
provides full control over the auto-dial
functions. I didn't have access to either
a Hayes or an Apple modem during the
test, so I tried it with a Miracle
Technology WS2000 modem and di¬
alled manually. This worked very well.
Jazz communications allows you to
change all the settings you would
expect for a comms program — baud
rate, word length, parity, and so on. In
addition, it has fairly comprehensive
file transfer abilities. It can send and
receive disk files as text with no
protocol, or disk files using the
XModem protocols or a special Jazz-to-
Jazz protocol.
Besides being able to run incoming
data to a disk file, you can send it directly
to a word processor, spreadsheet or
database document without having to
go via a disk file.
Conclusion
Lotus has done a great job of integrat¬
ing Jazz into the Macintosh environ¬
ment. Although this is a very complex
piece of software, it really is extremely
easy to use. I liked the spreadsheet for
its ease of use, the graphics for its range
of abilities and the comms for its
functionality.
I initially liked the word processor,
but as time went by its shortcomings
started to iritate me. However, the
Hotview facility is absolutely great and
is a good example of integration at
work, and the database is certainly an
improvement over Lotus 1-2-3.
I was worried that I consistently
crashed the word processor: that kind
of thing shouldn't happen on a release
version of a product. The second
problem comes down to memory
management. With only 256k of RAM to
play with and each open document
taking its chunk, you have to balance
thenumberof open documentsagainst
the size of each document. This isn't
helped by the use of what seem to be
old-fashioned 1-2-3-style memory
management techniques.
Having said all that, Jazz is still a very
good general-purpose tool; whether
you buy it depends on your outlook on
the Mac. There are two ways to obtain
multi-functionality on a Mac: one is to
buy Jazz which does everything well
but nothing wonderfully; or you could
wait for the soon-to-be-released
Switcher RAM partitioning software
and build your own pseudo-integrated
system.
The advantage of this approach is
that you can choose a powerful prog¬
ram to do the frequent tasks and then
integrate less powerful programs to
handle the less important jobs. The
advantage of Jazz are: a) that it has a
higher level of integration than you
could get with the Switcher; and b) Jazz
is available now, the Switcher isn't.
If you think you need an integrated
package, Jazz is the one for you. But if
you don't need all the features, you
might be better off building a DIY
system. KB
AUGUST 1985 PCW183
Illustration by Gavin MacLaud
SCREENTEST
Window
shopping
The best-dressed^ business rrncro is currently sporting
an add-on windowing^ facility for increased^ user friendliness^
Nick_ Walker tried the three main contenders in this field
— Digrta[ Research's GEM, Microsoft's Windows and IBM's
Top View — oil an IBM PC to find the perfect fit.
In many ways, the micro industry is akin
to the fashion industry. Neither busi¬
ness is able to predict with any certainty
what the consumer will buy this year or
next year.
In the software industry, this has led
to a series of software 'fads'. We've had
the year of fancy business graphics, the
year of the monolithic integrated pack¬
age, and now we seem to be facing the
year of the 'window'.
To be fair, the 'friendly' user interface
movement has been around for longer
than most people realise. Much of the
development behind the concepts of
windows and mouse-driven friendly
interfaces was done at Rank Xerox in
the US. Xerox, with its customary
inability to recognise a good thing
when it saw it, incorporated the ideas
into a very expensive executive work¬
station called Star. Then came Apple —
first with its unsuccessful Lisa, and then
with the considerably more successful
Macintosh.
One effect of the Macintosh has been
to popularise the concept of mice,
icons, windows, and so on, to the point
where independent software manufac¬
turers have now developed bolt-on
packages to make other micros more
friendly.
There are now three main players in
the bolt-on friendliness stakes—Digital
Research with GEM, Microsoft with
Windows and IBM with TopView. GEM
and Windows are attempts to establish
a new graphics standard for writing
applications packages — one which
could apply to all micros running them.
GEM is the closest to Macintosh stan¬
dard, while Windows isn't quite as
friendly but does add functions such as
concurrency. TopView really stands
apart from the others in that it is purely
designed for the IBM PC family and its
clones, and can best be described as an
application integrator with the added
advantage of multi-tasking.
It is important to realise that none of
these products is a replacement for an
operating system. They all sit on top of
the host computer's operating system
and try to provide a friendly, easy-to-
use environment from which appli¬
cations can be run and housekeeping
functions can be performed.
While micro hardware has advanced
considerably over the past 10 years,
operating systems have lagged behind
for the good reason of maintaining
application software compatibility. For
programmers of new applications this
has been a severe restriction, forcing
them to ignore the legal OS calls ana
program directly into the hardware,
making the application once again
machine specific. Windows and GEM
are attempts to set a new graphics
standard that sits above any operating
system and gives the necessary power
for writing advanced applications.
These applications can then be easily
transported from one machine to
another, usually only requiring minor
editing of the source code, a re¬
compilation, and inclusion of system
files. GEM has already shown its ability
to do this with some of its early
applications appearing on Acorn, Atari
and Apricot machines. Windows has
been written with the same ability, and
Microsoft has the advantage of the wide
user base for its own 16-bit operating
system, MS-DOS.
GEM has its roots in an earlier
graphics interface called GSX, which
was taken up by a number of manufac¬
turers. To this they have added the pixel
graphics operations that enable
smooth movement of mouse pointers,
icons and routines for easy window
management, pull-down menus, and
so on. Similarly, Windows has a
graphics interface lurking in its depths.
184 PCW AUGUST 1985
WINDOWS
the GDI (Graphics Device Interface), but
this has never been commercially
available by itself.
TopView sits outside this part of the
battle, being designed to operate with
standard (and preferably well-be¬
haved) PC-DOS applications.
The desk-tops
No matter how much power these
packages give you and how well-
written they are, it's a very small part of
them — it's desk-top or user interface
that is the most important. A good
desk-top should be easy to use and yet
unleash the full potential of the system
underneath. In particular, it should
shield you from the complexities of
DOS, making actions such as copying
and deleting files, starting applications
and printing files easy and intuitive. In
the case of GEM and Windows, the
desk-top is itself an application running
on the underlying system; it just
happens to be the one that runs first and
the one that's needed to operate the
system. This approach has the advan¬
tage that, if a desk-top is universally
disliked or a new wonder-feature is
required, it is possible to re-write the
desk-top as required. With TopView,
the user interface is an integral part of
the whole package.
The GEM desk-top is the most Mac-
like of the three systems — anyone who
hasthe Macintosh will immediatelyfeel
at home here. Along the top of the
screen is a menu bar, down the
left-hand side are icons for floppy disks
and hard disks (if you have them), and
below these is the ubiquitous 'trash-
can'. The mouse's primary function is to
control an arrow-shaped cursor, which
is used to point to a relevant part of the
screen. A full description of the GEM
desk-top appeared in the February
issue of PCW , so I'll just cover it briefly
here for comparison purposes.
Most of the screen is shaded grey,
upon which you can open and manipu¬
late windows. A double click on the disk
icon ora singleclickand selection ofthe
appropriate option from the menu bar
will result in a window opening, con¬
taining a graphic representation ofthe
files on that disk. Documents are shown
as a piece of paper with the corner
folded down, applicationsasa box with
a solid bar at the top and an appropriate
icon within (typewriterfor word proces¬
sors, telephone for comms, and so on),
and folders are shown as folders.
The menu bar contains pull-down
menus labelled Desk, File, View and
Options. As soon as the mouse-driven
cursor approaches one of these labels a
menu shoots down, listing the options
underthat heading. Initially this can be
annoying — other systems usually
require a click ofthe mouse button, but
after a while it's quite usable.
The Desk menu contains two desk
accessories, a calculator and a clock.
Further accessories and applications
can be installed into this menu by the
AUGUST 1985 PCW 185
user. File allows you to open files and
disks, put information on a file, create
newfolders, format disks and quit GEM.
View lets you arrange files by size, date,
name and type, and display them in text
form if required. Options is where
other, sundry functions lie — changing
system parameters, installing applica¬
tions and disk drives, and entering the
more obscure DOS commands.
Windows can be overlaid, they can
overlap or sit side by side on the
desk-top; positioning the cursor at the
top of the window, and pressing and
holding the mouse button allows you to
position the window anywhere within
the desk-top. Windows can be shrunk
and expanded by the same action on
the mouse with the cursor over a small
overlay icon in the bottom right-hand
corner of a window. One feature of
GEM's window management I particu¬
larly like is the diamond in the top
right-hand corner which enables you to
expand any window to full-screen size
and then contract it down to its original
size. Scroll bars run along the bottom
and the right-hand side of a window,
allowing you to scroll through lengthy
documents.
The majority of housekeeping com¬
mands work intuitively on the GEM
desk-top. Files are copied by dragging
their icons to where they are to be
copied; applications are started by a
double click on the mouse, and deleted
by being dragged to the trashcan. Error
messages are displayed as dialogue
boxes that appear on top of everything
elseonthedesk-top; all error messages
are in English, and most give you the
option of re-trying the action that
caused the error.
Windows' desk-top is a program
called MS-DOS Executive, and once
again the influence of the Mac is
apparent but a little less so than with
GEM. When MS-DOS Executive is
running, the screen is mainly white with
a grey bar at the bottom, outside the
SCREENTEST
MS-DOS Executive window. A menu
bar runs along the top of the screen with
the options File, View and Special, and
below this to the right are icons
representing the floppy and hard disk
drives. The mouse controls an arrow-
shaped cursor within this window
which can change to other images
when outside MS-DOS Executive or
when running applications.
Moving the cursor over the disk drive
icon and clicking the mouse button will
display the files on that disk in text form
within the window, with sub-director¬
ies shown in bold type. The cursor can
then be moved over the entries in this
directory, and a file selected by clicking
the mouse button. This file would then
be highlighted, and a number of op¬
tions to operate on this file become
available in the pull-down menu. Dou¬
ble-clicking on a file will cause an
application to be run, a documentto be
loaded into the application that created
it, or a display of the files within a
sub-directory. When you run an ap¬
plication, MS-DOS Executive shrinks
into an icon that appears at the bottom
of the screen. To use the MS-DOS
Executive application again, you ex¬
pand this icon by dragging it back into
the desk-top area; the application you
started now forms an icon, and MS-
DOS is available for use.
To get multiple windows on the
screen, you drag the icon and place it on
a window border. When this is done,
the windows' size automatically chan¬
ges to accommodate both applications.
If you drag the icon onto a horizontal
border, it divides the available space
into two horizontal windows; similarly,
dragging the icon onto a vertical border
will split the screen into two vertical
windows. This process can continue
with any number of applications on¬
screen simultaneously, and at all times
the entire screen is covered with no
windows overlapping.
Window size can be adjusted by
moving the borders or using a pull¬
down menu atthetop right hand-corner
of each window. Although this 'tiling'
approach feels less intuitive in use, it
does have its advantages: no windows
are lost under piles of others, and at all
times the screen is used to its best
advantage.
The File menu contains, asyou would
expect, options to manipulate files.
From here you can Run, Load, Copy, Get
Info, Delete, Print and Rename files.
Although it is possible to copy files
using the click and drag method on the
file name, I found this unnecessarily
complex, involving the SHIFT key and
numerous clicks on the mouse button.
Performing most of the general hous-
keeping functions requires rather more
knowledge of DOS than with GEM,
although nowhere near the 'C>COPY
PROG1.COM LEVEL1 PROG1.COM'
level needed with PC-DOS. The View
menu lets you organise the files dis¬
played by name, date, size and kind, as
well as in long and short form. Also
from this menu it is possible to specify
which files are displayed (for example,
all .BAS files), a feature lacking on GEM.
The Special menu is, again, a place for
everything else. From here you can
create and change directories, format
disks, create system disks, set the
volume name and quit Windows.
TopView is the least Mac-like of the
three, being all text-based, and does not
have a desk-top manager in the sense
that the other two do. Basically, Top-
View allows you to run applications
within windows and adds a number of
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GEM's desk-top
186 PCW AUGUST 1985
menus to control this; options are
chosen by using a mouse. Upon load¬
ing TopView, you are greeted by the
'Start-a-program' menu in the top
right-hand corner of the screen. From
this you can select and start any
application you have informed Top-
View about, or alternatively select an
option called DOS Services.
When an application is started, a click
on the relevant mouse button (it varies
depending whether you have a one,
two or three button mouse) will bring
up a small menu offering the following
facilities: Scroll, Window, Scissors,
Help, Suspend, Quit, Switch, Programs
and Exit. Selecting Window will allow
you to close in a window around the
application, and here the first of Top-
View's bad points becomes apparent—
the mouse control is awful. The window
is really unstable, whether you're trying
to move it or size it. To accurately
position the window, you need good
timing on the mouse button; press
when you see the window where you
want it and hope it doesn't flutter away.
Perhaps I'm being unnecessarily critic¬
al, but after using Windows and GEM it
does seem that bad.
The second problem I encountered
was when scrolling a document within
a window with the mouse. I thought I
would have to pick up the document
and move itaround within the window,
but TopView moves the window over
the document so you move the mouse
in the opposite direction that you would
expect to go within the document. The
Scissors option goes to a sub-directory
from which you can cut, copy and paste
text from one window to another,
provided the applications to be utilised
in this way display text in a normal
manner. The options Scroll, Help,
Suspend and Quit all operate on the
current window in a similar fashion,
sometimes through sub-menus, some¬
times direct.
TheoptionsSwitchand Programsare
used to bring up multiple windows. To
begin another application in a separate
window, you select Programs with the
mouse and clickthe appropriate button.
TopView then overlays the Start-a-
program menu onto your screen. You
select the program you want to run and
click the left-hand mouse button, the
application starts and you can use it as
normal. You can now either select the
Switch option to flick back to your
original application, or size the window
of your new application to fit on the
same screen.
DOS Services brings up a screen with
two menus, one containing the com¬
monly-used DOS commands and a
second containing a directory. With this
you can select a file from the menu and
select one of the DOS commands to
perform on it. Other DOS commands
can be applied with a second menu, but
I was a little perturbed to find some
functions, such as CHECKDISK, mis¬
sing. This menu-driven method doesn't
really shield you from DOS, it just
makes applying the command easier.
Applications software
All three packages, running on an IBM
PC, should run your existing IBM
software, and no application I tested
totally failed on any one of them. The
question to be asked is: how well do
they cope with running them within
their respective windowing environ¬
ments?
GEM makes no attemptto support an
existing application within its windows.
Double-clicking on such an application
results in the screen going black and
your application taking over in its
normal fashion. GEM then just sits
there in the background, waiting pa¬
tiently until your application finishes.
However, at the time of writing, Digital
Research had GEM Write, Paint, Draw,
Graph and Wordchart available; all
programs run to the GEM standard, and
the two I've seen, GEM Paint and GEM
Write, seem very near to the quality set
by their Macintosh equivalents.
Before going on to the way TopView
and Windows cope with current ap¬
plications, it's worth explaining the
dilemma they face. Applications soft¬
ware for the IBM PC has outgrown
PC-DOS and IBM's original BIOS — the
two areas where this is most critical is in
handling the screen and the keyboard.
Packages such as Lotus 1 -2-3 and Flight
Simulator write directly to the full
screen and read directly from the
keyboard, and obviously there's no way
that a package that thinks it has the full
screen to control directly can be forced
to perform within a window. Packages
such as these have been labelled 'badly
behaved', and the best we can expect is
to be able to switch from them to the
desk-top, leaving the application inac¬
tive in RAM.
Both TopView and Windows
approach this problem in the same way,
by including PIF (Program Information
Files) for most popular applications, as
well as a general-purpose PIF that can
be used to create your own for applica¬
tions not included. If you have any
doubts about an application of your
own thatyou particularly want to run in
a window, I advise you to see it running
at a dealer's before buying either
package, as these PIF files can get quite
complex.
Both TopView and Windows claim to
be able to run well-behaved programs
within a window, but in fact TopView
was the only one that I was able to do
thison.This, I wastold, isattributableto
the pre-release version of Windows I
was using, and will be correct on the
final version. Both programs were able
to run a well-behaved program on a full
screen and then return to the desk-top
with the application ticking away in the
background. With badly-behaved prog¬
rams, TopView refused to let me access
any of its menus until I'd quit the
application. Windows, however, re¬
turned to its desk-top with certain
programs but not with others. My
advice, therefore, is notto expect an old
application to run other than by itself
and by taking up the whole screen, and
then you won't be disappointed. In fact
an older package, Desq (reviewed in
December 1983) is the best at integrat-
ingexisting PC-DOSapplications.
Concurrency
IBM's TopView and Microsoft's Win-
AUGUST1985PCW187
SCREENTEST
dows both add concurrency of a sort to
good old MS-DOS. GEM doesn't, but
there is no reason why it won't work
with a multi-tasking operating system,
and it is planned to work with Concur¬
rent DOS 286 when it becomes avail¬
able from Digital Research.
Concurrency is the ability to run
applications programs simultaneous¬
ly. Many programs seem to do this,
such as the current spate of desk-top
managers (see PCW March), but when
you call a desk-top manager the ap¬
plication underneath stops running
while you use the desk-top facilities.
True concurrency has a number of
programs running at the same time,
with the processor sharing its time
between them, so you can be printing
from a word processor, recalculating a
spreadsheet and reading your electro¬
nic mail simultaneously. Although
there is no doubt that a PC with 512k can
do this, it really is all too much forthe old
8/16-bit processor architecture and
can't be regarded as smooth with
Windows or TopView. To get the most
out of this concurrency, you really need
a PC/AT or one of its equivalent
high-performance clones.
The sight of TopView trying to run
just two applications simultaneously
on a PC is pitiful. Even when running a
single application, the overhead
needed to support multi-tasking slows
it down to an almost bearable level. And
given the power of the AT, TopView is
apparently not particularly spectacular.
One user I spoke to said: 'It's slowed my
AT down to the speed of the PC.'
Windows makes a better attempt at
concurrency, and when it was running
the small demonstration programs I
was very impressed. Certainly the
friendly environment of Windows
makes it easy to use the power of
concurrency, and having lots of 3D
rotating cubes, clocks and graphic
demonstrations looks impressive, but
when running serious applications the
same speed problems arise. Overall,
Windows copes better, and given the
powerof an AT, it would bean excellent
package for productively using
concurrency.
Both TopView and Windows define a
standard for the implementation of
concurrency, and it will be interesting to
see which one will be taken up by the
software houses. Given the might of
IBM, it seems probable that even if
TopView doesn't catch on in a big way,
it will set a standard for concurrency. On
the other hand, Microsoft wrote PC-
DOS and will shortly be releasing a
concurrent version, Version 4. When
this happens, the concurrent part of
Windows will be removed and the
system will be marketed to run under
this new operating system.
One other important fact sets Win¬
dows apart from the other two — the
use of a virtual memory system. The
first versions of Windows gobbled up
vast amounts of memory and ran very
slowly, and although the speed prob¬
lem was cleared up, the size of the thing
required a different approach. Micro¬
soft's solution wastomakethe memory
management virtual in order that most
of the system sits on disk and is only
called when required. This virtual
memory management system can now
be used with applications written for
Microsoft Windows, which means that
there is effectively no limit to the
amount of memory an application can
A good desk-top should
be easy to use and yet
unleash the full potential
of the system
underneath. In
particular ; it should
shield you from the
complexities of DOS..
use, thus breaking the 640k barrier that
has previously existed for IBM applica¬
tions. It also means that Windows
consumes the least RAM of the three
packages and will have most of it
available for applications.
Windows and GEM both run quite
happily in 256k RAM, with a reasonable
amount of space available for applica¬
tions. TopView will run in 256k, but
there is practically no space left for
applications so I suggest a minimum of
512k. To get the most out of all three
packages, I'd also recommend a hard
disk — with floppies you really need to
keep the system disk in drive A, leaving
drive B for both data and the applica¬
tions disk. All three will work without a
mouse, which isan attemptto persuade
users not to fork out the £150 needed to
buy one, but you'll soon find keyboard
operation infuriating.
With a higher-resolution colour card,
GEM and Windows will both operate in
colour; TopView has colour menus
with the ordinary PC Colour Board.
Prices
All prices are for the IBM PC versions
(which are the ones I tested), and all
three packages should be available by
thetimeyou readthis—GEM isalready
available as I write. GEM Desk-top costs
£149.95 by itself, but is also available
bundled in with GEM Draw at £129.95
and as part of the GEM Collection
(including GEM Paint and GEM Word),
also at £129.95. TopView costs £156
including a tutorial disk. A price for
Windows hadn't been fixed at the time
of writing, but it is expected to be under
£100 including a bundled Paint prog¬
ram and other smaller utilities.
Conclusion
Notwithstanding thefactthat IBM isthe
manufacturer of TopView, there is no
doubt in my mind that it has lost this
battle before it's begun. It could be
argued that TopView was never in¬
tended to be a competitor, and to some
extent those arguments are sound, but
it does perform an essentially similar
function to GEM and Windows, using
windowing techniques and a mouse.
TopView is the most expensive of the
three, it needs the most from its host
computer in terms of power, and offers
the least back in return. TopView in no
way makes the IBM PC as easy to use as
a Macintosh: it merely adds concurren¬
cy to PC-DOS in a more friendly form.
A point in its favour is that it is
designed to work with well-behaved
PC-DOS programs, and doesn't rely for
success on a graphics standard being
accepted by software houses. But that
old PC-DOS/IBM BIOS combination is
looking old and jaded now, and most
applications don't conform to it. Both
GEM and Windows set new standards
that are comprehensive enough to
support advanced applications, and
allow these applications to be easily
transported between different
machines.
It is much more difficult to choose
between GEM and Windows — both
packages are excellent and both have
different merits. If you are a seasoned
IBM user looking for more power and a
friendly interface. I'd recommend Win¬
dows for its concurrency and virtual
memory. If, however, you are a occa¬
sional or new user, you will probably
find GEM the friendliest and easiest to
use. Both are a great step up from
MS-DOS.
Digital Research was the first to get a
foot in the market, and has used the
time to sign up as many manufacturers
and software houses as possible. Win¬
dows has the advantage of coming
from Microsoft which produces PC-
DOS, and so will be better placed to deal
with any changes in this operating
system.
I see GEM and Windows selling
alongside each other for some time
before any clear winner will emerge. To
make a real impact on the market, both
packages need to sell to computer
manufacturers to be bundled with
machines, and it's here that the real
battle will be fought. QQj]
188 PCW AUGUST 1985
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(Five lines)
All in the chip
Pefer Vap Linden anc[ Steve Tajbot revea[ detaHs ofa^ previously secret
Japanese project to develop a specialise^ compiler^ chip which acts as
a language^ tjanslaton
Over the last two years, the Japanese
have mounted a major initiative aimed
at establishing supremacy in advanced
computer technology. This is the ICOT
venture, a joint partnership between
the Japanese government and orga¬
nisations such as Mitsubishi, Fujitsu
and Hitachi. ICOT is a concentrated
research programme which the
Japanese hope will put them far ahead
in the fields of VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integrated) circuits and software.
Every country that likes to think of
itself as a major force in electronics,
including the US, the UK, France and
Germany, has put together a research
effort in response. In the US there are
several such programmes, including
one directed at Very High Speed
Integrated Circuits, while in the UK the
Alvey research effort is being funded at
the level of £350 million over five years.
Such a response is all very well, but it
remains to be seen whether our re¬
search efforts will produce better re¬
sults than those of our competitors.
Certainly our universities have been
starved and cut off from desperately-
needed funds over the past five years.
Has a large enough supply been res¬
tored in time?
Japanese research
All research and development activities
are usually shrouded in the utmost
secrecy — there's no sense in letting
your rivals have advance warning of
your best ideas! Even so, there have
been tantalising rumours of Japanese
efforts to develop a compiler in hard¬
ware, on a single integrated circuit.
Very little hard information has been
previously available, but this article
reveals some of the most important
technical secrets of the project. A
couple of Japanese engineers working
on the project announced details of
their work in an obscure and sparsely
attended technical symposium last
year. We have been able to piece
together their approach from details of
their presentation, a close knowledge
of the subject, and information from
other sources.
There are several reasons for de¬
veloping a specialised chip which acts
as a language translator. Specialised
chips have always been used to supple¬
ment computer systems, often dealing
with graphics, for instance. But up to
now, the job of translating program¬
ming language statements into
machine code has always been done by
software, and that means it has all the
attributes of software: compilers are
slow, unwieldy, bug-ridden and easy to
pirate. A hardware version of a compil¬
er would be fast, compact, difficult to
pirate, and perhaps even bug-free. If the
Japanese were successful in making a
compiler chip, it would convincingly
demonstrate that they had achieved
technological superiority in VLSI de¬
sign over the Americans. It would
confirm the trend of improving system
architectures by putting more smart¬
ness into hardware. But most impor¬
tantly, the compiler chip would help
enormously to reduce the workload of
ageing mainframes, minis and even
micros.
Performance boost
Just imagine a compiler chip inside
your workstation or personal compu¬
ter. Resource-intensive compilations
could be done without hogging the
system, and these compilations would
be speeded up by perhaps 1000 times.
What's more, compilers are closely
relatedto interpreters. If a Basiccompil-
er chip can be built, then it would surely
lead to the obvious development of an
Implementation method
Supported in
RAM or ROM
Software/hardware
boundary
Visible only to
computer designer
(
(
High-level
language
Assembler
Machine code
Microcode
Logic gate
TTL devices
Electrons
Typical speed
milleseconds
10~ 5 seconds
10~ 5 seconds
10~ 7 seconds
10~ 8 seconds
nanoseconds
C (speed of light)
Like any physical system , a computer system can be described in terms
of layers. Each layer is complete and consistent in itself.
A layer builds more complex and powerful functions out of the
operations available from the layer below it. This way of looking at
computer architectures applies to all processors, from the Intel 8088 to
mainframes like the Cray II.
The lower down the hierarchy you can implement a given function in
a computer, the faster it will operate. But it also becomes much more
costly to build, and much more difficult to change.
Fig 1 Hardware/software trade-offs
190 PCW AUGUST 1985
SOURCE CODE
OBJECT CODE
Fig 2 The components of a compiler
interpreter chip. And just think what a
thousand-fold speed-up in execution
would meanforyourSpectrumorother
popular micro.
The Japanese don't claim to have
built such a device yet. What they have
constructed is a detailed design of the
compiler chip, together with a program
which simulates its operation. When
we first heard the rumours of the
compiler chip, we guessed that it would
probably rely heavily on microcoding:
that is, the functionality would not be
designed at the level of the logic gates
which comprise integrated circuits.
That would be like trying to build a
house by mixing the cement in an
egg-cup; theoretically it could be done
but it would be very fiddly and take far
too long. The Japanese design, we
guessed, would be at the next imple¬
mentation level, in microcode.
Microcode is a very low-level
machine language which is normally
only visible to the architects of a
computer system, it differs from binary
machine code in that it operates directly
on the very low-level hardware. The
instruction set of a computer is usually
implemented by a series of microcode
operations which are invisible to the
user or programmer. For example, a
single assembly language instruction
'load accumulator' might be im¬
plemented by a series of several
microcode instructions, such as 'fill
address register', 'enable address
lines', 'latch memory buffer', 'fetch
from memory' and 'transfer buffer to
accumulator'. Each of these low-level
operations is very fast, and there is
scope for several of them to occur
concurrently. A compiler implemented
in microcode on an integrated circuit
would thus be far faster than one
implemented in assembler or other
software. The microcode instructions
would in turn be implemented by TTL
logic circuits (Fig 1).
The prediction of a microcode rather
than logic gate implementation for the
compiler-on-a-chip turned out to be
correct, although the engineers chose a
programmable logic array design
rather than extensive custom-designed
firmware. That is, they tried to use
existing hardware building blocks
which were close to what they required,
ratherthan design wholly original chip
sets from scratch. The complexity of a
true VLSI compiler, designed in logic
gates, is still way beyond the current
state of the art, so the chairmen of Intel,
Motorola and Texas Instruments can
sleep easy in their beds a while longer.
We also guessed that the compiler
would probably translate one of the
smaller programming languages,
possibly a simple language of
Japanese design, but in reality the
Japanese engineers were rather ambi¬
tious and selected Pascal as the source
inputfortheircompiler. The object code
output was a machine-independent
pseudo-code, suitable for execution on
a range of different hardware.
How a compiler works
The classic way to break down the work
of a compiler is to split it into four
functions, namely lexing, parsing,
semantic analysis and code generation.
Thefirsttwo build up information about
a program and store it a symbol table;
the last two phases make many refer¬
ences to the symbol table and use the
Fig 3 The compiler chip design
AUGUST 1985 PCW191
Ai
information stored there (Fig 2).
The lexer routines will read the file
containing the source code and pass on
tokens (individual words or symbols) to
the parser. The parser's job is to
examine the phrases passed to it by the
lexer and check that the sequences
form a legal program. In Basic, for
example, you normally expect an
identifier to follow the keyword 'LET'
(as in 'LET A = 10'), so the parser would
complain if itfound anything else there
(a constant or a keyword, for instance).
The parser builds up a large data
structure of all the tokens and various
information about each. This structure,
often called a 'parse tree', is given to the
semantic analyser to make sense of.
The semantic analyser will check that
the operations requested in the source
code make sense in terms of the
operands given, so LET A$ = A$ + 10.5
is obviously wrong as it doesn't make
sense to add a floating point number to
a string variable.
The code generator will follow on
from the semantic analyser to create
and output the machine code corres¬
ponding to the source. There may
also be a separate code optimisation
phase, but this can be ignored for the
purposes of simplicity.
During lexical analysis and parsing,
the compiler builds up a symbol table
forthesource program. Inthesemantic
analysis and code generation phases,
the symbol table is searched for in¬
formation aboutthe varioustokens: for
example, 'Isthe identifier 'X' an integer,
character, or real number?', or 'How
many bytes does 'X' need, and what is
its address?'. The interaction between
the various stages of compilation is
shown in Fig 2.
The Japanese have designed 'logic
engines' (special-purpose chips) which
carry out the same processing de¬
scribed here, previously done by soft¬
ware. Therefore, their compiler chip set
is actually four chips, splitting the
compiler design in the conventional
way: a lexical chip, a parsing chip, a
semantic analyser chip and a code
generator chip. There is also some local
storage on the silicon, and an associa¬
tive memory to hold the symbol table.
The component chips are connected by
a common bus (Fig 3).
The really clever achievement of the
Japanese is to realise that these four
components are, to a great extent,
independent,The lexer chip can read in
the next token, at the same time as the
parser chip is examining the present
one. Similarly, the semantic analyser
can evaluate the next part of the parse
tree while the code generator is gener¬
ating code for an earlier part. As these
phases are largely independent, they
can operate in parallel (atthesametime
as each other). As a chip completes the
processing of an input token, it places
an output token on the bus for the next
chip in line to operate on. This leads to
worthwhile performance improve¬
ments, and is theoretically possible in
software but difficult to achieve in
practice.
However, overlapping the work of
different modules like this is a common
hardware ploy, and is known as 'pipe¬
lining' (Fig 4); this is widely used in the
fastest processors available today. The
•Cray 1 uses pipelining in its arithmetic
unit to overlap the different sub-tasks in
division and multiplication, and to gain
significant performance improve¬
ments. The compiler chip's pipelined
mode of working achieves a degree of
concurrency within the compilation,
but limits the overall speed to that of the
slowest component. The designers do
not say which this is, but we think the
lexical chip would be the slowest;
compilers are almost always I/O bound.
The integrated circuit areas de¬
scribed by the Japanese engineers
were large, but not impossibly so. The
parser chip (which was the biggest)
required a die size of about 6.1mm by
7.8mm, and it is already possible to
fabricate chips of this size using ex¬
isting VLSI technology. Again, it is
impressive to note the use of associa¬
tive memory for a symbol table. Asso¬
ciative memory is a special form of
memory in which the contents are
retrieved by specifying their value
rather than their address, thus you can
make an enquiry in the symbol table by
giving the name of an identifier and
receive back all the corresponding data
describing it very quickly. The indi¬
vidual components of the compiler-
chip system are connected by a high¬
speed custom-made bus.
What next?
As the compiler produces pseudo-code
output, it would certainly be fascinating
to connect one up to the Western Digital
micro-engine which runs pseudo-code
directly as its assembly language. This
would probably comprise a system
which was phenomenally fast at both
compiling and execution. Certainly the
Japanese have demonstrated the feasi¬
bility of a compiler or interpreter in
hardware, but they are characteristic¬
ally coy about whether the project is
being continued through to producing
a working prototype. RTTfl
Total time with serial approach
Lexing
Parsing
Analysing
semantics
Generating code
Total time with pipelined approach
Lexing
Parsing
Analysing
semantics
Generating
code
Pipelining is difficult to achieve in software but easy in hardware , hence
the compiler chip can simply gain the pipelining performance
improvement.
Pig 4 How pipelining speeds up a system
192 PCW AUGUST 1985
Just because you bought
an IBM*computer, you don't have to
miss out on the JUKI 6100.
It did seem a trifle unfair, after all. Because the JUKI 6100 quickly became one of the
best-selling letter quality daisywheel printers in the UK.
So now we’ve introduced the brand-new JUKI 6100-1, which, as the suffix suggests,
is IBM* graphic printer compatible. It has all the features of the original 6100,
including graphic mode and full word processing support, yet it costs just £379 plus VAT
Another new release is the highly successful JUKI 6000. There aren’t many letter
quality daisywheel printers designed specifically for use at home.
The high speed JUKI 5520 dot matrix printer is a stunning example of high quality
advanced technology at a remarkably low price. Complete with graphic mode,
it’s ideal for your personal computer, and even has an optional 4-colour
print function.
See them all for yourself at your local JUKI dealer.
They may not have been out for long, but they’ll be around for a good deal longer.
*IBM is a trade-mark of IBM Corporation.
a v 1 *..’ ••
’ JUKI 6000 ,
' '\r -C a- • AVr-n*'’’ r f.
*£2 ■■■> :->• - ' r - .; S'VTvd-V #?-
'ik&xfiixy.-'' •
JUKIS520
KB
Socks Wood'-WpHi! foot
V Tete>
rfS^le ditfrjbotar; JJJTJ Iftkio
r s % 'M
mmmm.
mi
ce^Hofir^;!
PROJECTS
visicode revisited
Software transmission via your TV and mjcro continues tjijs month as
John Billingsley applies the Visicode receiver to the Spectrum 48k_ and
the Amstrad CPC464.
Visicode allows text and software to be
transmitted as part of a television
picture, and then to be captured with
the aid of a simple circuit with a
photocell, two transistors and a cheap
logic chip. In PCW July, the details and
software were given for receiving
Visicode on the BBC Micro and the
Commodore 64. Now the Visicode
receiver is to be applied to the Amstrad
CPC464 and the Spectrum 48k, enabl¬
ing users of these machines to pick up
the television-transmitted software.
The software will be broadcast on
Database on Thursday nights through¬
out July. The show goes out at 10.30pm
on Thames TV, but transmission times
vary from region to region so check
local details. To celebrate these first
Visicode broadcasts, Micronet 800 is
providing £2000 worth of prizes con¬
sisting of 30 free yearly combined
subscriptions to Prestel and Micronet
800. To win, you have to solve a puzzle
which is being broadcast in text form
during Database in four separate parts
and all together at the end of the month.
Receiving transmissions
To receive the transmissions, you'll
need a Visicode receiver unit and the
receiving routines. In PCW July we
published the software for the BBC and
Commodore64; thismonth it'stheturn
of the Spectrum 48k (Fig 1) and (with
thanks to Jim Crowther) the Amstrad
(Fig 2). I've also featured the Amstrad
assembler version to encourage other
Z80 implementations (Fig 3).
The receiver unit can be bought
ready-built from Magenta Electronics,
at £8.60 for the Amstrad and £13.98 for
the Spectrum (or, for readers who
missed last month's issue, £7.20forthe
BBC and £7.10 for the Commodore 64).
Full kits are also available from Magen¬
ta, including all components, case,
drilled and tinned printed circuit board,
and building instructions. These kits
cost £6.96 for the Amstrad and £10.68
forthe Spectrum (£5.52forthe BBC and
£5.44 for the Commodore 64). For
readers with construction experience,
details of the components and circuitry
are also included in this article.
The components should be available
at your local electronics store, but
Magenta can supply any that you have
problems finding (its prices are shown
in Fig 4). In fact, the Amstrad version
uses the same components as the BBC
and Commodore 64 units.
Magenta's service is mail order only,
and 60p should be added to each order
to cover postage and packing (VAT is
already included). Payment is needed
with each order — a cheque, a postal
order, Access or Visa is acceptable.
Magenta's address is 135 Hunter Street,
Burton-on-Trent, Staffs DE14 2ST, tel:
(0283) 65435.
The circuitry forthe Amstrad's receiv¬
er unit is shown in Fig 5 — again itisthe
same as forthe BBC and the Commod¬
ore 64. However, the Spectrum's cir¬
cuitry needed some extensions (Fig 6)
which I will describe in detail, butfirst a
closer look at the Amstrad version.
The Amstrad CPC464
The original suggestion for the Am¬
strad was to use the printer strobe and
busy lines for coupling the Visicode
receiver unit to the computer. This
would work, but obtaining a printout
would involve first saving the code on
cassette, or performing a rather risky
'hot swap' of the connectors. A further
deterrent was the lack of a five-volt
supply pin on the printer port.
The expansion port has the neces¬
sary supply, but can the standard
receiver unit be connected without
additional interfacing? With a certain
amount of deviousness, the solution is
simple. When the Visicode receiver
detects a spot on the screen, a bistable
latch is set. The computer must be able
to read the state of this latch, and must
also be able to reset it ready forthe next
scan line. Connected to pin 48 of the
50-pin expansion port edge connector
is an input intended for detecting
whether an expansion is really there,
—EXP. This appears on bit 5 of input
&F500. Nothing seems to go amiss
1 REM ** VISICODE RECEIVER ROUTINE FOR ZX-SPECTRUM VERSION Ml **
lO CLEAR 33791: REM top room
20 LET me =254*256: LEI p=33794: LET q=mc~256: LET r=p: 60 TO 200
30 60 SUB lOOO: PRIN1 "running"
35 LEI m7=255: LEI ft*5U: LET cu»341: LET tu=292: LET qu=63
40 LEI a=USR me: LEI a»USR me: LET a*=INKEY*
50 IF aOtU THEN PRINT AT 6,0?"not happy": 60 TO 40
60 IF a*<>"r“ THEN PRINT AT 6,0?"ok, 60 TO 40
70 CLS : PRINT "ready to receive": LET a=USR me
75 LET a=USR me: IF aOcu THEN 60 TO 75
80 LET a«USR me: IF a;m7 THEN 60 TO 80
90 FOR l=p TO q
lOO POKE i,a: LET a=USR me; IF a<=m7 THEN NEXT i; 60 TO 200
UO IF aTHEN LET a=qu: NEXT i: 60 TO 200
120 LET r«i: LET i=q: NEXT i
150 CLS : FOR i*p TO r: PRINT CHR* (PEEK (i>>;: NEXT i
200 PRINT : PRINT "RECEIVE,PRINT,SAVE,LOAD OR VIEW"
210 INPUT "R,P,S,L or V ? ";a*
220 IF a*="p" OR a**"P" THEN FOR i=p TO r: LPRINT CHR* (PEEK (i))j: NEXT i: LP
RINT
230 IF a*="r" OR a*="R" THEN 60 TO 30
240 IF a$="v" OR a*=“V" THEN 60 TO 150
250 IF a*="s" OR a$="S" THEN POKE p-l,INT (r/256): POKE p-2,r-256*PEEK (p-1):
SAVE "TEX I"CODE 33792,r-33791
260 IF a*="l" UR a*="L" THEN CLS : PRINT : PRINT : PRINT "POSITION ’TEXT' TAPE
PRINT : PRINT "AND PRESS PLAY": LOAD "TEXT"CODE : LET r=PEEK (p-2)+256*PEEK <
p~l)
270 60 10 200
1000 RESTORE : LET i=mc: CLS : PRINT "loading machine code"
1005 PRINT : PRINI "when ok,press r to receive"
1010 READ c*: IF LEN <cSK>16 I HEN RETURN
1015 FOR j*0 10 7: LEI a*=cS<2*j+l): LET b*=c*(2*j+2>
1020 LET a=CODL (a*)-48-39*(a*>*:“)
1030 LET a=16*a+C0DE (b*>-48-39*(b*>":")
1040 POKE i*j,a: NEXT j
1050 LET i«n8: 60 TO 1010
2O00 DATA "F3d37fle08160815"
2010 DATA "ca32+ edb7 ♦ b 7F20b"
2020 DATA "f»0603cd3bFecd38“
203Q DATA "fefa07fecd38+eF2"
2040 DATA "07fecd39feldc222"
2050 DATA "Fecd39fecbllcblO"
2060 DATA "fbc9067F0effFbc9"
2070 DATA "05060a1OFedb7Fd3"
2080 DATA "7f17cb1979d3fecV"
2090 DATA "x>;x"
Fig 1 The Spectrum receive routine
194 PCW AUGUST 1985
iO GOTO lOOOO
90 CLS:PRINT"Adjust photocell until OK":PRINT"Press xspacer to receive VISICODE"
lOO CALL me:CALL me:a*=INKEY*:SOUND 1,PEEK(by)/ (1♦PEEK <ct)>,1
110 IF PEEK (by) < >tu OR PEEK<ctX>l THEN LOCATE 1,5:PRINT"NOT HAPPV":BUTO lOO
120 IF a*="" THEN LOCATE 1,5:PRINT"OK,GOTO IOO
125 CLS:PRINT"Waiting for start code":CALL me
130 WHILE PEEK <by > < >cu OR PEEK (ct)Ol: CALL me : WEND
135 CLS:PRINT"Receiving":i*1o:CALL me
140 WHILE PEEK(ct>>0:CALL me:WEND
150 WHILE (PEEK(by)Off) OR (PEEK<ct)<>1>tPOKE i,PEEK(by):i*i+1:CALL me:SOUND 1 *
PEEK(by),1:WEND
160 r*i+1: POKE r, «<FF
300 CLS:LOCATE 1,1
310 PRINT"1 Save text to tape"
320 PRINT"2 load text from tape"
330 PRINT“3 View text"
340 PRINT-4 Receive VISICODE transmission"
350 PRINT*’5 Print text-
360 a*=INKEY*:IF a**"" GOTO 360
365 IF a*-“" GOTO 360
370 IF a*="1" THEN INPUT"Fi1ename ";f*:SAVE f*,B,lo,r-I:GOTO 300
380 IF a*="2" THEN INPUT "F i 1 ename " ; T *: L PAD f*, lo:r»=lo: WHILE PEEK (r ) s &FF : r=r ♦ 1:
WEND:GOTO 300
390 IF a*=“3" THEN s*0:D=O:GOTO 430
410 IF a**"4" THEN GOTO 90
420 IF a*="5" THEN s=8:D=0
425 GOTO 300
430 FOR i =1 o TO r 1: PRINTHs, CHR* (PEEK (i ) ) } : IF PEEK ( i ) =8<D THEN PRINT : 0*0+ 1 : IF D=2
4 THEN WHILE INKEY**"":WEND:D=C
440 NEXT
450 GOTO 300
lOOOO p= 1 a:MEMORY &IFFF:mc*&2000:by=&2080:ct=&2u81:1o=&2100:hi»*«AB7F
lOOlo tu=&24: f f =*<FF :cu*85
10020 i=mc:PRINI"Luading machine code"
10030 READ j : IF j<256 THEN POKE l , j : l *i ♦ 1 : GOTO 10030
10040 GOTO 300
10100 DATA &F3, Ml, &08, &04, 1, ScOO,9tC0
10110 DATA &01 , lc(X>, S»7F , &3E , &85, ScED. &79
10120 DATA &15, &CA, &3F , 8<20, &u6, 8*F 5
10130 DATA SrED, 8<78, &CB, S<6F , &28, StFA
10140 DATA &06, 8<Ol , &CD, &48, &20, &CD, & 45 , &2o
10150 DATA &FA, &OE, &20, &CD, &45, &20, &F2, fcoE, &20
10160 DATA &CD,8.46,8»20,&1D,&2U,S<FA
10170 DATA &CD, *46,8.20, &CB, & 15,&26, 8.O0, iCb, S. 1 4
10180 DATA &22,&8u, &2o, &FB, &C9
10190 DATA &21 , S<7F , &7F , l*C3, &3A, &20, &U5
10200 DATA *t06, &09 , &UO, &UO, &UO, lu, &F t, &U6, JUF5, &LD, X. /8
10210 DATA S.46, S«87,S<87, fcl /,&CB,& 1D,&C9,9999
Fig 2 The Amstrad receive routine
when the Amstrad is powered up with
this pin pulled low, so half the problem
is solved.
How can the latch be reset? On pin 42
of the connector is —ROMEN, which is
pulled down to zero volts each time the
ROM is accessed. This is every few
microseconds when Basic is running,
but a machine code program in RAM
need not call the ROM atall until it exits.
Now all that is needed is a memory read
from ROM and the latch will be cleared,
but unfortunately this is not quite so
easy.
In orderthatthe user'smachinecode
can have plenty of space, the Amstrad
system disables both halves of the ROM
when executing a Basic CALL. To get
the—ROMEN line to respond, it isthus
first necessary to re-enable the top
ROM — the work of a byte or seven of
machine code. From then on it is plain
sailing. Ground is found on pin 49 and
—5 volts on pin 27. (Note that the
connector has odd numbers on the top
andeven numbers below.(You need no
morethan the standard Visicode receiv¬
er unit and a 50-pin 0.1 in edge connec¬
tor — and of course the receiving
software.
The Amstrad receive routine will
automatically protect an area of mem¬
ory above location 8191 in which it
plants the machinecode, and where the
received text is stored. Each time the
machine code is called, execution
hangs up until the photocell receives a
spot. Ittestsitforthe right header stripe,
reads the byte and saves the result in
8320. If there is an extra control stripe,
8321 is set to 1, while if the header is
faulty 8321 is made 127.
When the program runs, it takes a
couple of seconds to plant the code and
then enters a test mode. Each time the
spot is seen, its value is tested foe &24
plus control stripe. A repeated 'ping'
from the sound channel indicates the
received code, and if it does not match
&24then the screen shows 'Not happy'.
Only when 'OK' is shown will the
computer accept a tap on the space bar,
and move to the next stage.
The program now waits for a'U'code
with control bit set. In future, software
can be sent in a succession of blocks for
a variety of machines. Each machine
will wait for its own code before loading
— 'B' for BBC, 'A' for Amstrad, but 'U'
indicates a text file which is universal.
At last, the string of control codes
comes to an end and the machine can
start to load data.
To indicate that the data is being
saved, the sound generator gives a pip
as each byte is received, chirruping with
a variable pitch. There is no test for
buffer size, but the memory can hold
over 10 minutes of continuous data.
When a final &FF plus control is
received, the captured text is listed to
the screen.
The Spectrum 48k
And so to the Spectrum. First the good
news — the Spectrum can receive
Visicode. The bad news is that you will
need a 48k version to do the job
correctly. The trouble, as described last
month, is in the timing of the loop which
tests each line of the transmitted spot.
I owe Sinclair Research something of
Machine code Tor Amstrad.
Locate machine code at &200C above HIMEM.
Save byte in 8,2080, control in 8,2081
Data is read through (exp) line of expansion port,
latch is reset by ROM select line.
2000
F3
START
Dl
:Disat 1e 1 nts
20ul
1 1
08
04
LD
DE
♦0408
jD^tries, E*count
2004
21
00
FF
LD
ML
+FFOO
;L*result H*contr(
2007
Of
00
7F
LD
BC
♦ 7FOO
: point to gate a»*r
200A
3E
85
LD
A,
+85
:enable uooer POM
20OC
ED
79
OUT
(C)
.A
:disable lower.
200E
15
AGAIN
DEC
D
:tries ?
2ooF
CA
3F
20
JP
Z.
GIVUP
;too many.
2012
06
F5
LD
B,
+F5
(For input
2014
ED
78
SYNCH
IN
A,
(C)
jread to bit 5
2016
CB
6F
BI 1
A,
5
;test bit 5
2018
28
FA
JR
Z,
SYNCH
:wait untiI start
201A
06
01
LD
8,
+ 1
;half line del ay
201C
CD
48
20
CALL
DAWDLE
;and clear latch.
20 IF
CD
45
20
CALL
GETSLO
;1ine 2
2022
FA
OE
2< >
JF
M,
AGAIN
;was set, wronq.
2025
CD
45
20
CALL
GETSLO
:1ine 3
2028
F2
OE
20
JP
P,
AGAIN
:not set, wronq.
202B
CD
46
20
LOOP
CALL
GEiBI1
;now for data.
202E
ID
DEC
E
:count bits
202F
20
FA
JR
NZ,
LOOP
; more
2031
CD
46
20
CALL
GETB1T
;control?
2034
CB
15
RL
L
; f l x L
2036
26
OO
LD
H,
+oo
; H will tie 0 or 1
2038
CB
1 4
RL
H
{control to H bO
203A
22
80
20
SAVE
LD
(2080),HL
;save result.
203D
FB
El
{enable ints
203E
C9
RET
:bacL to Basic.
203F
21
7F
7F
G1VUP
LD
HL,
,+7F7F
{error code
2042
C3
3A
20
JP
SAVE
(go home
2045
05
GE TS1 0
DEC
B
{dummy for timing
2< *46
06
09
GETBIT
LD
B,
♦-9
{delay count
<>48
00
OO
00
DAWDLE
NOP,
NOP,NOP
{timing fine tune
204B
10
FE
Dl
DJNZ
Dl
{wait 1oop
204D
06
F5
LD
B,
+F5
;for input
204F
ED
78
IN
A,
(C)
{read latch bit 5
2051
46
LD
B,
(ML)
*. ROM clears latch
2052
87
ADD
A
;to bit 6
2053
87
ADD
A
: 1 atch to' bit 7
2054
17
RLA
;then to carry
2055
CB
ID
RR
L
{mix with result.
2057
C9
RET
{subroutine end.
Fig 3 Assembler version of the Amstrad receive routine (for reference only}
AUGUST 1985 PCW195
PROJECTS
Resistors Va watt carbon film 5%
470R, 680R, 1 k, 2 x 2k2 (22R Spectrum only).. 2p each
Capacitors — miniature polyester 20% type rated 63 volts or more
33nF&47nF. 8peach
470nF 10Ov miniature polyester {Spectrum only— uses two).23p each
Transistors
BC213or use BC178 or 2N3702 PNPtype...11 p each
BC183or use2N3705or BC108 NPN type.....11 p each
Phototransistor— OP500orXC500c. 78peach
Integrated circuits
SN74LS00. 40peach
SN74LS126 (Spectrum only).£1.16 each
CD4000CMOS (Spectrum only). 44p each
4-way ribbon cabletwo metres. 60p/2m
Connectors
BBC. £1.74each
Com modore 64.£1.66 each
AmstradCPC464........ £3.18each
Spectrum 48k.£2.25 each
0.1 in plain perforated board 1 in x 2ins(Amstrad).26peach
2ins x 3ins (Spectrum)...78p each
(Prices quoted are from Magenta Electronics , which is also supplying
complete kits and ready-built units — see text for full ordering details.)
Fig 4 Components list for the Amstrad CPC464 and the Spectrum 48k
an apology. Its suggestion that the
software should be located in the upper
32k of memory was correct. Unfortu¬
nately, I had executed a CLEAR 25599 at
the beginning of my first program to
protect the text and machine code
storage space against Basic variables
and strings. This also forced the
machine stack into the lower RAM, so
that every subroutine call and return
was subject to the slow-down of the
screen display. The affect was not large,
but was sufficient to throw out the
timing by the critical 10 per cent. Some
of the input and output commands are
still stretched, butthese are few enough
that the variation is tolerable.
In the new program, the first line has
become CLEAR 33791 —that is, &83FF.
There is still plenty of room for received
text above this and below the machine
code at &FE00 upwards.
I have connected a 'standard' receiv¬
er unit as used for the BBC, the
Commodore or the Amstrad into a
special Spectrum interface.This,alltwo
chips of it, plugs directly onto the back
of the Spectrum. It was necessary to
connect two 470nF capacitors and one
22R resistor on the interface card to
prevent supply spikes causing spurious
pulses from the detector.
The only other real changes are the
use of the code control -f-255 to signal
the end of the data (rather than relying
on a repetition of the control +"$"
tune-up signal), a slight change to the
screen messages, and a bit of fine
tuning in the machine code loop. Even
with a badly degraded TV signal, large
text files repeatedly transferred to a
Spectrum plus without a single error.
I've also improved the Commodore
64 receiving software since the July
issue. Apologise for any pound charac¬
ters (£) that slipped through in that
listing; these should obviously have
been hash characters (#). These im¬
provements have all been incorporated
into the listings provided by Magenta.
As the previous listing stood, it would
not display lower-case characters. To
rectify the problem, and to also add
options for saving the transmission to
tape or disk, add or amend thefollowing
lines:
100 OPEN 1,D: PRINT#1 ,CHR$(14)
105 FOR l = P TO R —1 :A=PEEK (I)
:A=A-128* (A>64) + 160* (A>96)
106PRINT#1,CHR$(A); :NEXT:CLOSE
1 :PRINT
110 INPUT "3 FOR SCREEN, 4 TO
PRINT, 8 TO SAVE";D: IF D<8 THEN
100
Disk owners should add:
115 INPUT " FILE NAME ";A$: OPEN
1,8,2, (A$+"T,S,W"):GOTO 105
Tape owners should add:
115 OPEN 1,1,1, "TEXT":GOTO 105 GC0
Amstrad Disk
Port
Fig 5 Circuitry for the Amstrad receiver unit
Spectrum User
22/1 Por t
Fig 6 extensions to the Spectrum circuitry
196 PCW AUGUST 1985
If you were a
^ mj
member
>you would be
M CO/, /flrrmint nff -all Amcnft Cn
member
you would be entitled to:
1 5% discount off all Artisoft Software
10% off KORES® Ribbons
10% off 1000 LABEL-TRACK® Computer Labels
3" MAXELL® Compact Disks £39
3M 5V 4 " Discs at Trade Prices
S/S D/D £ 14.45 S/S Q/D £ 21.90
D/S D/D £ 19.60 D/S Q/D £ 25.35
All prices include VAT and Postage
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AUGUST 1985 PC W197
TEACH YOURSELF LOGO
Logo lists
Harvey Meljap continues his Teach Yourselfseries with a loog at Logo IJst
processing.
In itsveryearliestform Logo didn't have
any graphics, and was exclusively
concerned with 'list processing'. In fact,
turtle graphics was originally thought
of as a sugar coating useful for introduc¬
ing programming to students, rather
than as an end in itself.
In this article I'll explain what list
processing is, and why it's important.
There are other languages that are
based around list processing — Lisp is
the most well-known example, but
Logo provides the easiest and best
introduction to the topic.
To show how lists are used, I'll apply
them to the task of developing the basic
commands of a text adventure game.
Lists have much wider applications
than this, and future articles will explore
other possibilities.
What is a list?
In Logo there are only two kinds of
objects — 'words' (numbers are in¬
cluded in this category) and 'lists'. A list
can be defined as 'an ordered collection
of objects'. We mark the fact that
something is a list by enclosing it within
square brackets, so [SWORD KNIFE
BAG STONE JEWEL] is a list, it is made
up of five words. The word 'ordered'
occurs in our definition because
[JEWEL BAG SWORD KNIFE STONE]
would be a different list from [SWORD
KNIFE BAG STONE JEWEL]: the order
matters.
Lists are important because they can
be used to represent many different
types of data. The aforementioned list
was the inventory of an adventurer
during an adventure game; the list [X =
Y * Y] represents a mathematical
formula; the list [TO BE OR NOTTO BE]
represents a line of prose.
I said that a list was a collection of
objects, not just of words, although the
examples so far have been lists of
words. A Logo object, remember, is
either a word or a list, so our list could be
a collection of lists. [[EDDY GRUNDY]
[GRANGE FARM] [CAMBRIDGE]] is a
list of three lists, and it represents an
address.
A more complex example is [[:SIDE]
[REPEAT 4 [FORWARD :SIDE RIGHT
90]]]. This is a list of two lists: thefirst list
consists of one word; the second list
consists of two words together with a
list (which in turn consists of four
words). This list represents a Logo
procedure for drawing a square.
These few examples should give you
some idea of how useful lists can be for
representing data. Logo provides a few
simple primitives for manipulating
lists, and with these you can write
powerful programs working on com¬
plex structures of symbols.
A list (unlike an array in Basic) is not of
any defined length, so you can add
elements to it at any time until all the
available memory in the workspace has
been used up.
The Logo procedures using lists that
we are going to develop could have
been written in very different ways
using Basic or assembly code, but using
lists makes it easier to represent the
data; this makesthedata easiertothink
about, which in turn makes program¬
ming easier.
Taking lists apart
The basic operations for taking lists
apart in order to examine them are
FIRST and BUTFIRST.
FIRST [SWORD KNIFE BAG STONE
JEWEL] returns SWORD, the first ele¬
ment of the list.
BUTFIRST [SWORD KNIFE BAG STONE
JEWEL] returns [KNIFE BAG STONE
JEWEL], the list without its first
element.
One command needed in any adven¬
ture game is one to print out everything
in the adventurer's possession — let's
call this command INV for INVentory.
We'll keep the possessions as a list, and
assign it to the variable INVENTORY:
MAKE ''INVENTORY [SWORD KNIFE
BAG STONE JEWEL]
We could then define INV as follows:
TO INV
PRINT [YOU ARE CARRYING]
PRINT INVENTORY
END
If the adventurer does not have
anything in his possession, then the line
PRINT : INVENTORY prints a blank line;
the list INVENTORY is said to be'empty'
and its value is represented as []. Logo
provides an operation to test forthis —
EMPTY? (EMPTYP in LCSI versions).
Using this we can now improve on our
procedure:
TO INV
PRINT [YOU ARE CARRYING]
TEST EMPTY? INVENTORY
IFTRUE PRINT [NOTHING]
IFFALSE PRINT INVENTORY
END
For some purposes it might be nice to
have the possessions printed one
under the other rather than along the
same line. To do this, we need to replace
the PRINT in the last line with a new
procedure, PRINTVERT:
TO PRINTVERT :LIST
PRINT FIRST :LIST
PRINTVERT BUTFIRST :LIST
END
This procedure prints the first ele¬
ment of the list and then recursively
calls itself, with the list minus its first
element as its input. This causes each
word to be printed one below the other.
However, when the procedure gets to
the end ofthe list, FIRST triesto find the
first element of the empty list [], but
there is no first element so Logo gives
an error message. To overcome this
problem, add a 'stop rule' to the
recursive procedure:
TO PRINTVERT :LIST
IF EMPTY? :LISTTHEN STOP
PRINT FIRST :LIST
PRINTVERT BUT FIRST :LIST
END
PRINTVERT follows a pattern that is
very common in recursive procedures.
Compare it with this procedure which
counts down from the input number
to 0:
TO COUNTDOWN :NUMB
IF :NUMB = OTHEN STOP
PRINT :NUMB
COUNTDOWN :NUMB - 1
END
This procedure does not use list
processing, but it shares the same
pattern as PRINTVERT:
1) Test to see if the procedure is
complete, if so then stop.
2) Deal with the easy case.
3) Call the procedure recursively to deal
with a slightly simplified case.
This pattern is particularly common
in list processing programs. It should
not be surprising that many list proces¬
sing programs use recursion, for even
our definition of a list was recursive.
Remember — we defined a list as a
collection of objects, and yet we said an
object was a word or a list!
Putting lists together
FIRST and BUTFIRST enableyoutotake
198 PC W AUGUST 1985
lists apart, to discover what is inside
them. If you want to build up a list, the
basic operation to use is FPUT:
FPUT "DAGGER [SWORD KNIFE BAG
STONE JEWEL] returns the list [DAG¬
GER SWORD KNIFE BAG STONE
JEWEL].
Let's continue with the example of an
adventurer's inventory. At the start of a
game he would have nothing: MAKE
"INVENTORY []. As he finds objects, he
may choose to pick them up and keep
them. Let's define a word GET, so that
he can give commands such as GET
"SWORD. Flere's our first attempt:
TO GET :OBJECT
MAKE "INVENTORY FPUT :OBJECT
INVENTORY
END
The trouble with this definition is that
it does not check to see if the object is
actually present in the room for the
adventurer to pick up. One way to deal
with this isto havea variable, let's call it
CONTENTS, which contains a list of all
the objects in the room. To find out
whether an object is present we would
then need to see if it was in the list
CONTENTS, so what we really need is a
procedure that checks whether an
object is in a list. Most versions of Logo
include a primitive, MEMBER? (or
MEMBERP), that does just this, but it is
instructive to see how it could be
defined:
TO MEMBER? :OBJ :LIST
IF EMPTY? :LIST THEN OUTPUT
"FALSE
IF :OBJ = FIRST :LISTTHEN OUTPUT
"TRUE
OUTPUT MEMBER? :OBJ BUTFIRST
: LIST
END
This procedure works down the list,
checking each element in turn until it
eitherfindsa match orcomestotheend
of the list. It returns either the TRUE or
FALSE value which can be used as the
input to an IF, in Pascal terms MEM¬
BER? is a Boolean function. We can
now test whether an object is present:
TO PRESENT? :OBJECT
IF MEMBER? :OBJECT CONTENTS
THEN OUTPUT "TRUE ELSE OUT¬
PUT "FALSE
END
With PRESENT? we can write an
improved version of GET:
TO GET :OBJECT
TEST PRESENT? :OBJECT
IFTRUE MAKE "INVENTORY FPUT
:OBJECT .INVENTORY
IFFALSE PRINT [I CAN NOT SEE]
PRINT-.OBJECT
END
So much for picking up objects, but if
our adventurer wishes to get rid of
some of his possessions and put them
down, we'll need a word PUT; he can
therefore say PUT "SWORD.
TO PUT :OBJECT
TEST MEMBER? :OBJECT INVEN¬
TORY
IFTRUE MAKE "INVENTORY DELETE
:OBJECT INVENTORY
IFFALSE PRINT [YOU DON'T HAVE
IT!]
END
That's a nice, simple definition, the
only trouble being there is no primitive
called DELETE. Here's how we might
define DELETE in order to remove an
element from a list:
TO DELETE :ITEM :LIST
IF EMPTY? :LISTTHEN OUTPUT []
IF :ITEM = FIRST :LIST THEN OUT¬
PUT BUTFIRST-.LIST
OUTPUT FPUT FIRST :LIST (DELETE
:ITEM BUTFIRST:LIST)
END
It is worth looking closely at this
procedure for while it is short it is
powerful, and illustrates a number of
basic principles about writing list
processing procedures. Notice that it
is an operation: it outputs the value of
the list without the given element. The
three steps of the procedure translate
into English as follows:
1) If the input list is empty it is not
possible to remove anything, so output
the empty list.
2) If the first element of the list is th6
object we are trying to remove, output
the rest of the list without that first
element.
3) Otherwise, output a list made by
putting the first element at the front of
the list you would get by removing the
element to be deleted from the rest of
the list.
The procedure works because step
three is slighly easier than the original
problem — the input list is one element
less.
Lists of lists
So far we have kept our inventory as a
simple list of words, but it might be
useful in some games to have a more
complex data structure.
If the game allocated a score accord¬
ing to the items in the adventurer's
possession, then INVENTORY could
consist of a list of lists, each sub-list
consisting of the object's name
together with its value. For example:
MAKE "INVENTORY [[SWORD 20]
[KNIFE 10] [BAG 5] [STONE 2] [JEWEL
100 ]]
AUGUST 1985 PCW199
TEACH YOURSELF LOGO
It is useful to define procedures which
pick out the individual parts of the list.
These procedures don't do anything
very important, they simply enable us
to write slightly more meaningful
higher-level procedures:
TO NAME :ITEM
OUTPUT FIRST :ITEM
END
TO VALUE :ITEM
OUTPUT FIRST BUTFIRST :ITEM
END
So NAME [STONE 2] returns STONE
and VALUE [STONE 2] returns 2.
In order to print out the inventory
using INV, PRINTVERTwould now need
to be rewritten as:
TO PRINTVERT :LIST
IF EMPTY? :LIST THEN STOP
PRINT NAME FIRST :LIST
PRINTVERT BUTFIRST :LIST
END
Assuming that our game only awards
points for possessions, SCORE will
print out the adventurer's score:
TO SCORE
PRINT SCORE1 0 INVENTORY
END
TO SCORE1 :SUM :LIST
IF EMPTY? :LIST THEN OUTPUT
:SUM
OUTPUT SCORE1 ( :SUM + VALUE
FIRST :LIST ) BUTFIRST :LIST
END
In this procedure, notice the way in
which the value of the sum is built up. It
is passed on at each recursive call, and
eventually returned as the value of the
operation.
Describing the room
We've discussed the adventurer's pos¬
sessions, but the rooms could also be
represented as lists. Here's a possible
room:
Name: room2.
Description: this is a dark room about
20 feet square; exits: north to room 5
and south to room 8.
Contents: sword, bottle.
One way to represent this informa¬
tion is to define a variable ROOM2:
MAKE "ROOM2 [[THIS IS A DARK
ROOM ABOUT 20 FEET SQUARE] [[N
ROOM5] [S ROOM8]] [SWORD
BOTTLE]].
We could then do the same thing for
each of the other rooms in the game. In
order to keep track of where the
adventurer is, we need a global variable
HERE that contains the name of the
room the adventurer is in at the time.
We might begin with MAKE "HERE
"ROOM2.
Having represented the data as lists,
we now need to write some words to
extract the various parts of the data,
particularly the description, the con¬
tents and the exits. It is more convenient
for some of these procedures to work
from the end of the list rather than from
the beginning. Logo provides three
primitives, LAST, BUTLAST and LPUT,
which correspond to FIRST, BUTFIRST
and FPUT, differing only in that they
work from the end of the list ratherthan
from the beginning.
DESCRIPTION "ROOM2 outputs the
description of the room.
TO DESCRIPTION :ROOM
OUTPUT FIRSTTHING :ROOM
END
CONTENTS "ROOM2 outputsthe list of
contents of the room
TO CONTENTS:ROOM
OUTPUT LAST THING :ROOM
END
EXITS "ROOM2 outputs a list of direc¬
tions in which you can go from that
room.
TO EXITS :ROOM
OUTPUT GETEXITS [] FIRSTBUT-
FIRSTTHING :ROOM
END
TO GETEXITS :EXITS :EXITSLIST
IF EMPTY? :EXITLISTTHEN OUTPUT
:EXITS
OUTPUT GETEXITS (FPUT (FIR-
STFIRST :EXITLIST) :EXITS)
BUTFIRST :EXITLIST
END
GETEXITS takes the list from the room
details, for example [[N ROOM5] [S
ROOM8]], assigns it to EXITLIST and
builds up a list of the possible exits in
EXITS which it finally outputs — here
[NS].
Wecan putthesethreetogetherintoa
word LOOK which prints out what we
can see at the time.
TO LOOK
PRINT DESCRIPTION :HERE
PRINT [YOU CAN SEE]
PRINT CONTENTS :HERE
PRINT [YOU CAN GO]
PRINT EXITS :HERE
END
These procedures could be used in
other parts of the game: for example,
EXITS might be used to check on valid
moves. The command to move north
will be MOVE "N, where MOVE is
defined as follows:
sMOVE "N.
TO MOVE :DIR
TEST (MEMBER? :DIR EXITS :HERE)
IFTRUE MOVEIT :DIR
IFFALSE PRINT [YOU CAN'T GO
THAT WAY]
END
MOVE simply checks that the move is
valid; if it is, then it passesthe work over
to MOVEIT. Write MOVEIT yourselves
— it must go down the exit list in the
room description, find out which room
lies in the moved direction, and then set
the value of HERE to the new room
name.
As a final example, consider the
problem of altering a room description:
for example, updating the room's
contents if an object is PUT down. PUT
would have to include a call to ADD:
TO ADD :OBJECT
MAKE :HERE LPUT (FPUT :OBJECT
CONTENTS :HERE) (BUTLAST
THING HERE)
END
To understand how this works, let's
assume that the value of HERE is
ROOM2; MAKE :HERE then becomes
MAKE "ROOM2. The value to be
assigned to ROOM2 is what we get by
putting FPUT :OBJECT CONTENTS
:HERE in place ofthe last item inthelist.
What is FPUT :OBJECT CONTENTS
:HERE? It is a list made up by putting the
new object at the front of the old
contents list for ROOM2, which is
precisely what we wanted.
This is part three of a six-part series.U. 3D
200 PCW AUGUST 1985
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SCREENTEST
Dataflex
gqfu/nox , sDafaf/ex / apoi^erft;/dafabasefnanagemenfsy'sfeAn / /sexce//enf
forsysterodeve/opersbufrafherd/fficu/f for mexperienced^ users^
KathyUmgexaminest^^econciliation.
Most software suppliers, faced with the
task of implementing their packages on
a wide range of systems, simply avoid
the problem altogether by providing
single-user versions only, or put their
packages onto just one ortwo hardware
systems.
In contrast to this approach, the
supplier of the database management
system Dataflex, an American com¬
pany called Data Access, has long made
a point of providing its product on as
wide a range of micros as possible,
including a wide variety of systems
which can be shared among several
users. As a result it has achieved
widespread popularity among system
developers, and is increasingly being
bought by computing services in large
companies for use by a variety of users
in client departments. It was a request
from one such user, directed to me by
PCW, which finally decided me to look
in detail at a package which has long
been a candidate for this series, but
which I feared might be just too
complex to interest less experienced
users. Dataflex's power and flexibility
are undoubted, but how easy would it
be for those without previous comput¬
ing experience to use it for simple
applications? Here I'll concentrate on
this aspect of the package, while adding
just a flavour of the power Dataflex can
provide for experienced users and
system developers.
Dataflex stores its information in
fixed length records; each record in a
file has the same structure. Files may be
related to one another through key
fields, with the relationships being
specified when the file is set up. The
Dataflex philosophy is based upon
what it calls 'configurations', which are
basically sets of commands prepared
for use on particular sets of files. To be
used, configurations must be com¬
piled, in contrast to most command-
driven packages which interpret com¬
mands once for each time that a
sequence of commands is executed.
From a user's point of view, this means
that the first time a task is carried out,
two operations are required (rather
than the one needed in most such
packages). This is because, after you
have set up a sequence of commands,
you must first compile the source code
and then execute it. When this has been
done, you may re-execute the same
sequence without recompiling.
In this respect Dataflex has much in
common with program generators,
which must go through a translation
phase before being executed. Unlike
most program generators, the output of
this translation phase is always a
compiled program, which may be
faster to execute than a comparable set
of interpreted commands. (From the
Benchmarks, it would appear that for
operations within Dataflex, the package
is indeed relatively fast.) So you have a
trade-off between taking a little longer
to set up the commands needed to run a
task, and the time taken to carry it out.
Dataflex provides two major aids to
making this process reasonably easy
for novices, and reducing to a minimum
the dangers of rigidity in the two-stage
approach. Firstly, a set of programs and
utilities is provided to enable you to
carry out the main data management
tasks which most people require —
setting up files, adding and amending
records, displaying and printing simple
reports. With this basic set of features,
you can use Dataflex as a simple data
management system without going
near the individual commands of Data¬
flex itself. These utilities can be acces¬
sed from the menus supplied with
Dataflex, so that a reasonable degree of
power is available just through the use
of menus. Better still, most of these
programs and utilities actually create
Maximumfilesize
Max record size (ch)
Max nofields
Maxfieldsize
Maxdigits
Max prime key length
Special diskformat?
FiJesize fixed?
Linkto ASCIIfiles?
Datatypes
Fixed rec structure?
Fixed record length
stored?
Amend rec structure?
Linkdata files?
Nodata filesopen
No sort fields
No keys
Max key length
(chars,fields)
Subsidiaryindexes
kept up-to-date?
Datavalidation
Screen formatting
Uniquekeys
Reportformatting
Storecalculateddata
Totals&statistics
Storeselecn criteria
Combiningcriteria
>1 criterion/field?
Wild code selection?
Browsing methods
Interaction methods
Reference Manual +
Tutorial Guided
Reference Card+
OnlineHelp+
Hot-line?
2 gigabytes
ML(min
16000)
255
255
18
NS
N
Y
YV
N,C,D
Y
Y
CO
Y
20(min)
9+
9
NS,6
UTD
G
P,C
AM
P,D,C
IN,ED,BA
Y
P
A,0,N
Y
SW
AK
M,C,FT
#**
N
****
Fora full explanation of
abbreviations, see'Database
dossier', page 188, January issue
Fig 1 Features and constraints (for
16-bitsystems)
202 PCW AUGUST 1985
Dataflex configurations. The advan¬
tages of this are two-fold: you get a
ready-made set of examples of con¬
figurations to supplement those sup¬
plied with the system; and you have a
basic set of configurations which you
can adapt to add extra features, rather
than starting from scratch to learn what
is really a high-level programming
language.
Secondly, there is one menu option
which not only helps novices, but also
goes a long way to offset the disadvan¬
tages of the two-stage approach. The
area of application which suffers most-
from a totally compile/execute
approach is ad/iocqueries. The flexibil¬
ity of Dataflex is such that it would be
possible to write a complete configura¬
tion which offers all the options for
querying you could think of, with
parameters (such as selections to be
performed) entered when the con¬
figuration is executed. This would take
a long time and a lot of expertise, so
Dataflex provides such a facility itself,
called Query. I'll say more about its
facilities under 'Selection & sorting';
for now, suffice it to say that Query is
sufficiently flexible to allow you to meet
most requirements for one-off lists and
reports. In addition, dueto Query being
an executable program, it can be given
the options needed and executed im¬
mediately, rather than setting up the
query commands, compiling and then
executing them. Another consequence
of this approach is that Query can be
used even with the Dataflex run-time
system, to generate ad hoc reports
within the framework of a tailored
system.
For more experienced users, the two
great advantages of Dataflex are its
flexibility in providing the equivalent of
a high-level language with special
facilitiesforhandling databases, and its
multi-user features. The latter are
provided in such a way that each user of
a shared database can be provided with
an accurate picture of the data which
their actions will update, but the sequ¬
ence of operations can be arranged so
that records are locked for the mini¬
mum period of time necessary to
protect data integrity. A further boon is
that, unlike some of its competitors,
Dataflex is not copy protected. For
those who sell the results of their
labours, the availability of a run-time
system will be an additional
recommendation.
Constraints
The main limitations are shown in Fig 1.
The figures shown are the minimum
which may be available on 16-bit
systems; the restrictions may be grea¬
ter for 8-bit systems, and less on 16-bit
systems with more than the minimum
amount of memory. For example, the
maximum record size in 8-bit systems is
at least 4000 characters, while the
maximum record size in 16-bit systems
is at least 16,000 characters. In 16-bit
systems, the constraints are unlikely to
impose any serious limitations on
record processing.
Date fields may be American or
European format, as determined when
the system is installed. Validation
features which come with the system
include checking ranges or specified
values, and forcing entry of a field.
File creation and indexing
The process of preparing a file to be
used in a Dataflex configuration in¬
cludes defining its format and the
indexes to be used to access it, specify¬
ing the maximum number of records it
isto hold (althoughthiscan be changed
subsequently), and, where appropri¬
ate, creating a screen form to use when
entering and updating records. The
simplest approach to this process is to
use the Dataflex program AUTODEF,
which uses a series of menus and
questions to lead you through the
whole process. The file definition can
most easily be accomplished by creat¬
ing a screen 'image' which can subse¬
quently be used for data entry, and
which contains titles, captions and field
labels as required, plus indicators of the
field positions and lengths. This in¬
volves typing underscores to show
where the fields will be — three
underscores indicate a three-character
field, four underscores followed by a
decimal point indicate a five-digit inte¬
ger, and so on. This screen image may
be prepared either with a word proces¬
sor (such as WordStar in non-docu¬
ment mode) or with Dataflex's own
simple editor, which gives paint-a-
screen features using cursor and func¬
tion keys.
When the screen image has been set
up, you can then run AUTODEF. You
will be asked to give the name for each
field (Dataflex cannot pick this up from
the captions used, even where they are
to be the same), and to specify the index
fields. Index keys may consist of up to
six fields (four on 8-bit systems); all
indexes must be unique, but can be
made so by attaching the record
number as the last field in a key, a
procedure which would, in practice, for
fields with duplicate values, reduce the
number of data fields in a key by one. A
file may have up to nine indexes (four
on 8-bit systems) in addition to the
record number; these are kept up-to-
date as data is entered and amended.
In addition, you may have a single ad
hoc index, which is created as it is
needed and need not bespecified atthis
point so that it can be used to order the
file in further ways for reports. Where
two or more files are to be linked
together, the relationships are based on
indexes whose fields must be identical
in type and size in the related files.
When indexes have been specified,
you cannot change the specification
without re-indexing either on the one
key which has been changed, or on the
whole set; this process is reasonably
fast (see Fig 2 for Benchmark times). To
change the format of the record without
writing a Dataflex program involves
copying the data file twice; you use
Query to create a plain text version of
the file, then use a Dataflex utility,
FILEDEF, to amend the record format,
and finally use another Dataflex utility,
READ, to create a configuration to
re-import the data into the new format.
FILEDEF provides an alternative route
for setting up and amending the for¬
mats of data files and indexes, which
gives more control over the process
than the automated route via
AUTODEF.
Data input and updating
If you use the AUTODEF program to set
upyourfiles, it will automatically create
the necessary program to allow you to
enter and amend records. This allows
you to add new records, to amend
records retrieved by any key, and to
delete records. The Enter supplied
macro provides a more sophisticated
approach to the same requirement,
giving you the ability to have programs
set up which carry out command
processing within the data entry phase
(for example, to supply calculated
fields), and which include data from
more than one file on a single screen
image. You cannot, though, use ENTER
to specify that several records be
displayed for amendment on a single
screen. Forthis kind of option you must
set up a configuration yourself, or
amend one created initially with
ENTER.
BM1
Time to add one new record
3secs
BM2
Time to select record by primary key
Inst
BM3
Timeto select record by secondary key
Inst
BM4
Timeto access 20 recordsfrom 1000 sequentially on
three-characterfield (samefield as in BM2 key)
56secs+
BM5
Timeto access record using wild code
22secs+
BM6
Timeto index 1000 records on three-characterfield
50secs
BM7
Time to sort 1000 records on five-character field
NA
BM8
Timeto calculate on one field per record and store
result in record
1min43secs
BM9
Time to total three fields over 1000 records
1min35secs
BM10
Timeto add one new field to each of 1000 records
35mins28secs
Time to import a file of 1000 records: 20mins 55secs
Notes
NT=Nottested NP=NotPossible + = including scrolling
Where two times are given, first is access to first record, second is
access to each subsequent record
Fig 2 Benchmarktimes recorded on an IBM PC/XT/hard
AUGUST 1985 PC W 203
Often in a more complex system you
will want to automatically carry out
certain updating operations — perhaps
to summarise and archive records at
the end of a month or year. This kind of
'batch' updating can be carried out by
writing your own configuration, using
Dataflex commands.
Screen display
The screen images which can be
created for data entry and amendment
have already been described. When
records are retrieved in this way, you
can scroll through them in order by the
current index (that used to retrieve the
record), using keys which request 'next'
or 'previous' record. For reporting, you
can use the Query facility which dis¬
plays one record per line, and which
allows you to determine the fields to be
displayed but does not give you any
control over formats. Output from the
Report macro can be directed to the
screen. You can use Dataflex's exten¬
sive repertoire of display commands to
provide precise control over screen
displays. These commands include the
ability to show complete lines, and to
place particular data at specified points
on the screen using direct cursor
control.
Printed reports
Simpleprinted reports can be produced
using the Query facility, which permits
output to the screen, a printer, or a file.
SCREENTEST
More sophisticated formatting is pro¬
vided by the Report macro, which
allows you to specify a report with
header and sub-header, body, sub-total
and total sections. Nine levels of
sub-totals are available, as well as
overall totals. Formatting is achieved
by including an image of theformatthe
report is to take, linked to commands
which dictate what is actually printed.
Reports created in this way may
include information from more than
one file. Where the Report macro does
not provide sufficient flexibility, you
can use direct output commands which
provide similar facilities to those out¬
lined under'Screen display'.
Selection & sorting
The Query facility allows you to select
on a maximum of 10 criteria. If you want
to select records which match one of
several values on a single field, each
test counts as a selection, but they are,
of course ORed: that is, the record is
selected if any one such test is passed.
Selections on separate fields are
KnowledgeMan 545
Package Cost(£) Summary
Dataflex 695 Powerful,flexible database management
system available on a wide rangeof single-user
and networked systems. Excellent for system
developers, good for novices prepared to
apply themselves. Clumsy manual, excellent
reference summary and examples.
dBaselll 495 Moreadvanced version of populardBasell
package. Allows maximum lOfilesopen at
once, which can be interrelated as you wish on
a DIY basis. Flexible indexing. Command-
based : can store sets of commands to get close
to programming. Only on IBM PC and clones.
Powerful data management system, few
software limitson processing. Spreadsheet
included, word processing and business
graphicsas add-ons,all loosely integrated.
Featuresfor experienced users and system
developers excellent, rather complexfor
novices.
565 Powerful multi-user, multi-file system based
on central data dictionary which holds all
record definitions. Menu-driven for beginners
but no default formats, so lots of work to do to
get started.Tailoring powerful buttediousto
implement.
595 Powerful andflexibleprogram generator, with
good facilities for screen handling and
processing, powerful command language,
ability to incorporate Basic statements if
desired. Rathercomplexfor novices, betterfor
software developers.
Fig 3 Comparison of similar data management packages
Sensible
Solution
Sycero
AN Ded: that is, only records which pass
them all are met. You could therefore
issue a selection which requested all
those whose postcode shows that they
live in Birmingham or London, and
have blue eyes and fair hair.
When using the Report macro, you
can request that tests be ANDed or
ORed, or that records pass if a test is not
true. All these tests can use the
conventional range of comparison
operators (less than, greater than, and
so on) plus a 'containing' test for
character fields. If these facilities are
insufficient, there is a range of com¬
mands to carry out tests, including an
IF...ELSE group.
No sorting facilities are provided;
Dataflex allows you to order data using
indexes. Most of these will be specified
when the file is first defined, and if the
specification is changed then the file
must be re-indexed. A single temporary
index is provided which can be set up on
an ad hoc basis for particular reports;
this saves having to alter the file
definition simply to have a report
printed in a particular order. It also
saves the extra processing and space
overheadsof additional indexes.
Calculation
Dataflex provides three commands
which aid calculation: MOVE (which
allocates values to variables and
fields); INCREMENT (which addsoneto
the value of a field or variable); and
CALCULATE (which allows you to enter
a simple arithmetic statement to carry
out calculations on field or memory
variables). Any variables (as distinct
from fields in stored records) must be
explicitly defined in the Dataflex
program.
Multiple files
Many of the Dataflex facilities relating
to multiple files have already been
mentioned, including the ability to
explicitly relate files by defining the key
fields which dictate the correspond¬
ence between records. For example, if
you are programming an accounting
system, the invoice file might have links
to the customer file by customer
account code, and to the stock file by
stock item code.
This method is more constricting
than that used by many packages which
construct relationships between files
on an ad hoc basis, but equally this
approach should make the develop¬
ment of more complex systems quicker
and simpler.
At most points in the system, you can
refer to fields from several related files.
In configurations, fields are referred to
by the convention 'filename.field-
name,' rather than by providing a
dictionary to all fields and requiring
uniqueness of field names within a
singledatabase.
204 PCW AUGUST 1985
Tailoring
The full range of Dataflex commands
allows you to program systems of a
complexity comparable with those you
can build in high-level languages such
as Basic or Cobol. In fact, Dataflex is
written in Pascal, and the approach of
its command language is reminiscent
of the flavour of Pascal itself (though
without, I'm glad to say, the use of the
dreaded semi-colon as statement
separator). Space does not permit a full
description of the facilities available,
but they include some straightforward
features for setting up simple control
systemsincluding menusforend users.
Quite sophisticated systems can be
built from the basic building blocks
which Dataflex provides, including the
Enter and Report macros and the
menu-building features, without the
need to learn about Dataflex com¬
mands. Nevertheless, these com¬
mands do give system developers
considerable power and flexibility to
build configurations for other users. For
example, Dataflex includes the ability
to define your own commands, which
can be executed with parameters, and
to assign sets of commandsto function
keys through user-defined procedures.
Asurprising omission isthe absence of
any security features such as password
protection for data files.
In view of its undoubted power and
flexibility, the length of time it has been
on the market, and its availability on a
wide variety of machines, it is interest¬
ing — and surprising — that up to now
Dataflex has not, in contrast to the
market leaders, generated an extensive
cottage industry of run-time system
applications. I would expect to see this
change quite rapidly. It may reflect the
initial strategy of the UK distributor,
Equinox, which was to market Dataflex
alongside a range of other products.
Dataflex distribution is now handled by
an offshoot of Equinox called by the
name of the product. There is already a
users' group.
Housekeeping
Dataflex allows you to delete, rename
and copy files within the package, to
access the directory listing, and to run
operating system commands with
return of control to the current menu.
Links with outside
You can read and write ASCII text files
using Dataflex utilities (Read and Query
respectively). The text files may use
commas or carriage returns to delimit
fields. For more complex formats Data¬
flex provides commands to read and
write sequential text files, so you could
construct virtually any format you need
with a configuration of your own.
Unlike the Dataflex facilities using
internal file formats, the commands to
handle sequential files are not particu¬
larly fast in operation.
User image
At the simplest level, Dataflex can be
used as a menu-driven system for
setting up simple files, and handling the
entry and reporting of data. Most
people, however, would not be willing
to pay so high a price for a system which
they could otherwise obtain for less
than £200. To get value for money you
really need to go beyond the basic
features, and use at least the supplied
macrosforentry and reporting, plusthe
utilitiesforchanging record definitions,
setting up menus, and so on. I was able
to run all the Benchmarks save two with
this approach, and I found the system
quite easy to use. For example, to
import the Benchmark file I used the
Read utility, which sets up an appropri¬
ate configuration to import a text file
into a predefined database file. This
process rarely works first time, but on
this occasion it did.
Beyond these supplied programs
and utilities, you need to use the range
of Dataflex commands, and may need
to go on to use procedures and to reset
thefunction keys. Ifound programming
with Dataflex quite straightforward,
and both the programs to run Bench¬
marks compiled and ran correctly first
time. As with setting up screen images, I
found it best to use my word processor
to construct program source files and
then re-invoke Dataflex — the package
allows you to compile files from other
directories, so that is relatively
problem-free.
Dataflex would be even easier to use
if, instead of key stickers to display the
standard uses of thefunction keys — to
carry out operations such as Find a
record, Save a record or Query a
definition—the package were provided
with a template. You cannot make use
of more than one set of stickers, so
anyone who uses more than one
package which does not have a tem¬
plate is stuck!
Documentation
The Dataflex documentation is both an
aid and a hindrance to understanding.
The package comes with a manual, a
reference summary and a set of exam¬
ple configurations. I suspect that most
experienced users would do better to
use the reference summary (which is
one of the best I've seen and includes a
complete syntax definition of all com¬
mands), together with the example
configurations, and largely ignore the
manual. This is a curious mixture of the
tutorial level and the terse reference
style, and explains the Dataflex features
in a very curious order. It is more useful
if used purely for reference, using the
reference summary as a kind of index
(there is an index to the manual, but I
didn't find it very helpful). This is
perfectly feasible, as the reference
summary has a feature I've often
recommended but(lthink) never before
seen, and that's a reference to the page
in the manual for every command.
Conclusion
Dataflex is a powerful and flexible
system, available on a very wide range
of both single and multi-user micros. It
provides extensive facilities for re¬
latively inexperienced users, as well as
advanced tools for system developers.
It is about as easy to use as a system of
this power can be, but as you would
expect, people with little experience
will get the most out of the system only
by undertaking a couple of days'formal
training.
That said, I feel that on balance,
Dataflex represents one of the best
chances for users with enthusiasm and
a little experience to get worthwhile
results from a powerful database man¬
agement system. For them and for
experienced users, the breadth of
function, combined with the availability
of a run-time system which includes the
relatively powerful Query facility, and
the absence of copy protection, must
make Dataflex well worth considering.
For some people, the constraints
imposed by the need to compile source
code before executing sets of com¬
mands will be a drawback, but it should
be set against the potential improve¬
ments in performance which may be
achievable with a compiled system.
Where this last is a consideration, you
should make sure you carry out some
timing tests for yourselves. My Bench¬
marks suggest that Dataflex is con¬
siderably fasterthan most, but not all, of
its competitors. tlMu
Summary
Supplier
Equinox/Dataflex Systems
Telephone
(01)7294460
Cost
£695
Systems
80,86,MS,PC,MU
Version reviewed
2.1
Type
S,E
Features
Powerful multi-user, multi-file database management
system. Full tailoring facilitiesforsystem developers.
Maximum of nine indexes perf ile on 16-bit systems,
kept up-to-date. Flexible screen display and reporting.
Drawbacks
All command sets must be compiled before use, so
two-stage operationfor everything exceptsimple
queries.
Easeofuse
Quite good for experienced users (apart from needto
compile). Macros and menusfor novices, but still
complex.
AUGUST 1985 PC W 205
Happy hackmg is the tjieme as David Taylor logs on to makmg money,
plus al[ aboutAda m tjvs months book selection
Cloak and hacker
Title: The Hacker's Handbook
Author: Hugo Cornwall
Publisher: Century Communications
Price: £4.95 (paperback)
You've read the news, now read the
book. It is wicked to hack; not very
wicked, hacker Hugo protests, but a
little bit wicked just the same. The FBI
takes a very dim view. Blokes with
suspicious-looking bulges under their
armpits might come knocking at your
door. Your ZX could be seized in the
middle of the night.
It's all very well, provided we take
hacking to mean only you and your
modem messing about on more or less
legitimate lines — a database here, a
bulletin board there. That's an innocent
educational sport, the way Hugo sees it.
If now and again you're not, so to speak,
welcome to look around — well, there's
probably no harm done.
But logging on unscrupulously —
where to hack is to poke your nose into
other people's computerised business
without their knowledge or permission
— that's definitely wicked. It's usually
tricky and long-winded, probably
illegal and, of course, it sounds like
tremendous fun.
Computerniks have been at it for
years: relishing the tease of locating
some remote system, defeating its
protection and having a quick, unautho¬
rised rummage. No-one knows how
many succeed. Hackers would natural¬
ly like everyone to believe that they're
surreptitiously re-programming the
mainframe at Fort Knox or breaking in¬
to the Kremlin's electronic mailbox
most evenings. Victims, on the other
hand, are equally anxious to allay fears
that their files could ever have been
tampered with. Vested interests make
the actual extent of hackers' mischief
pretty hard to assess.
Public opinion tends to be in exagger¬
ated awe of hackers. We're easily
bemused by sensational reports of
computerised crime or by such Holly¬
wood hokum as Wargames, in which a
schoolkid dials into the Pentagon and
nearly starts World War III.
Reality is more prosaic. With a few
spectacular exceptions, like The Great
Prince Philip Prestel Hack', it is, as a rule,
pretty dull. The satisfaction, so all
hackers insist, is in the ingenuity (and
persistence) needed just to fathom a
good connection.
This book offers general guidelines
and looks at methodology from some
entertaining examples of hacks by
pseudonymous Hugo himself (he's a
professional computer security consul-
206 pc w august 1985
tant). It describes the first principles of
developing hacker's intuition, and re¬
veals that 95 per cent of successful
hacks rely on simple password acquisi¬
tion. Itexplodesthe myth that virtuosity
at the keyboard is all, and urges you to
scour by the hour for random clues and
disconnected information — every¬
where from specialised publications to
exhibitions and obscure libraries, even
dustbins. Hugo cheekily demonstrates
how such gleanings can be used, for
example to build up a shrewd idea of
what systems MI5 uses.
It's a lively if often superficial
account, but despite Hugo's protesta¬
tions that anything is still possible —
that men will always boldly hack where
no men have hacked before — the
conclusion seems to be that the best
days are now over. As the targets get
smarter, hacking isn'twhatitusedto be.
Cracking nuts
Title: Out of The Inner Circle —
A Hacker's Guide To Computer
Security
Author: Bill Landreth
Publisher: Microsoft/Penguin
(paperback)
Price: £8.95
It's certainly all over now for Bill
Landreth — The Cracker — who was
one of America's most notorious teen¬
age computer wizards until he was
'apprehended by the FBI', and indicted
by a Federal Grand Jury.
Gee whiz, you guys, he was only
having fun. He didn't mean no harm. He
was just a kid. They were all teenage
kids in California's 'Inner Circle' of
computer freaks. All they seem to have
done was to hack about in GTE Tele¬
net's system.
Still, the FBI wasn't taking any
chances — these kids could be Com¬
mies! Even the judge insisted Landreth
be looked over by a psychiatrist before
sentence was passed.
Now The Cracker is a reflective
old-timer of 19. This is his life story and
his summary of a reformed insider's
advice to those who'd rather not
become victims of insidious hacking.
It's stirring stuff . . . 'It'sSunday night
and I'm in my room, deep into a hack.
My eyes are on the monitor and my
hands are on the keyboard, but my
mind is really on the operating system
of a super-minicomputer a thousand
miles away — a super-mini with an
operating system that does a good job
of tracking users and that will show my
activities in its user logs, unless I can
outwit it in the few hours before the
Monday-morning staff arrives for
work.' It sure beats homework.
The Cracker then identifies five kinds
of (American) hackers,from novices
star-struck by Wargames (who are a
nuisance), through students (who find
hacking a whole lot more intellectually
stimulating than school), tourists (who
seem to come to hacking much as they
might come to an occasional cross¬
word), crashers (who are trouble¬
makers out to cause havocfor kicks) and
the out-and-out computer thief.
This book isn't so much stirring as
rather depressing. It implies that hooli¬
gan hacking is reaching epidemic
proportions in the US, and plays on
paranoid fears that your precious data
files will be next unless you're extra
vigilant. I dare say there's some truth in
it. The risk is that people can easily
become obsessively cautious, living in
fear of the sinister, suspecting constant
conspiracy, becoming convinced that
evil-doers are all out there and trying to
get them. That, if you like, is the dark
side of happy hacking and it does not
make for an edifying read.
The money program
Title: Bulls, Bears & Microcomputers
— Programming for Successful
Investment
Author: GT Childs
Publisher: Sigma Press
Price: £6.95 (paperback)
There may be readers of this book, the
author admits, who have bought it in
the hope of becoming suddenly rich.
Almost all readers will have had this in
mind, I'd imagine.
The book is written in an unfortunate,
patronising style which labours to
imply that most micro users are
stumped for things to do after they've
tired of zap-kapow games. So why not
take up small-scale investment as a
hobby and run a few Basic programs to
keep trackofyour market performance?
Why not, indeed, if your motive is
merely to have a bit of fun and gain a
better understanding of financial jar¬
gon, although it isn't half stretching itto
suggest that 'The Financial Times will
hold no more mysteries' or that 'you'll
soon be on equal terms with the
professionals'.
Throughout this book I was reminded
of Horace Batchelor who, when I was at
school, used to hard-sell Radio Luxem¬
bourg listeners his infallible methodfor
cleaning up on the horses. I wonder
now what I used to wonder then: if it's
all so simple, how come everyone isn't
as rich as Croesus?
First Ada
Title: Programming in Ada
Author: Robert G Clark
Publisher: Cambridge University
Press
Price: £22.50 (hardback), £8.95
(paperback)
There are two sides to this business. On
the one hand Ada is exciting, state-of-
the-art stuff: tomorrow's all-purpose
programming language — vast, fast,
flexible and reliable. On the other hand,
Ada was devised by the US Department
of Defence and its primary purpose is to
program military hardware. It is a fair
bet that much of President Reagan's
'Star Wars' anti-missile defence pro¬
gram will rely heavily on Ada, and the
MoD also sees Ada as a likely successor
to Coral.
The author takes a sanguine,
academic view. Ada, he maintains, is
better suited than Pascal (from which it
derived) or Fortran for teaching uni¬
versity students the fundamental con¬
cepts of computerised problem-solv¬
ing. Ada is named afterthe redoubtable
Countess of Lovelace, Byron's daugh¬
ter and assistant to Charles Babbage,
whose 19th century 'analytical engines'
are generally taken to have been the
precursors of 20th century computers.
The implication must be that today's
Ada is a language which encourages
thoughtful programming.
This is a textbook which provides a
fascinating and lucid insight which, it is
acknowledged, only dips one toe into
the ocean of Ada's ultimate capacity.
Yet it is pretty esoteric stuff and scarcely
likely to grip the average home micro
user. It isn't as if you can flick through
the small-ads of PCW and find yourself
tripping over Ada compilers!
Highly recommended for students,
but it's likely to fox almost anyone else.
No, but Siriusly
Title: The Sirius and Victor 9000
Computer Book
Author: Dennis Jarrett
Publisher: Hutchinson
Price: £17.95 (paperback)
Technically superlative, commercially
a nightmare: Victor's Sirius was ahead
of IBM's PC in bringing the joys of 16-bit
(Intel 8088) processing to the desk-top,
but was haplessly out-dazzled by the
Big Blue limelight. The Sirius also
established ACT asahardwaredistribu-
tor, but after a series of financial
vicissitudes and protracted manufac¬
turing wrangles, the Apricot emerged a
hotter property. So who needs a
handbook on a micro which is
apparently over the hill?
About 60,000 users do, reckons the
author, whose own deep affection for
the beast is clear, even if he has prev¬
iously written a similar tome on the PC.
What readers get here is a compre¬
hensive and beautifully presented
guide to the hardware itself and to the
jobs it can accomplish as well as, if not
better than, many more fashionable
rivals.
The book is a model of its kind:
well-structured, well-written and well
laid out— promoting all of the Sirius's
many strengths and acknowledging its
few shortcomings. It will, of course, be
of absorbing interest to Sirius users and
ought to persuade many others that,
even in the age of the Macintosh, the
Sirius is still a good buy. ITTH
AUGUST 1985 PCW 207
SCREENPLAY
O
Fairy frolics
Title: Elidon
Computer: Commodore 64 (Amstrad,
Spectrum and MSX versions planned)
Supplier: Orpheus
Format: Cassette
Price: £8.95
If you thought being a fairy was all fun
and dancing round the flowers at the
Bouncing bombs
Title: Dambusters
Computer: Commodore 64
Supplier: US Gold
Format: Cassette, disk
Price: £9.95, £14.95
US Gold's long-running love affair with
the theme of war is still going strong,
and by the looks of it, the UK release of
Dambusters will keep the relationship
blossoming.
If the title of the game rings bells, it is
because it's based on the now
legendary bombing raidontheGerman
Moehne, Eder and Sorpe dams by
Scampton-based 617 squadron during
World War II. One of the most intriguing
aspects of the operation was the
bouncing bomb, designed by Barnes
Wall is, and the precise manner in which
it had to be dropped if each of the dams
was to be breached successfully. Not
only did this mean flying at very low
level under the cover of night, but also
at precise speeds and distances from
the dam. All these points, and more,
have been incorporated into US Gold's
depiction of operation Chastise, as the
mission was inappropriately code-
named.
Dambusters the game is primarily a
flight simulator, but thanks to some
neat interweaving of arcade action and
mind-bending strategy, the company
has created a program which will keep
you on the edge of your seat for hours.
The game begins with a view through
the cockpit of a Lancaster bomber onto
the runway at RAF Scampton. Seven
men make up the aircraft's crew, but
unfortunately you seem to be the only
one who has turned up for duty. Not
only do you have to fly the plane, but act
as navigator, front gunner, rear gunner,
first and second engineers, and bomb
aimer too.
Each crew member's position is
represented by a different screen,
individually accessed by pressing a
specific numeric key on the top row of
the 64's keyboard. Three of these
screens are used during take-off: one
sets the aircraft's trim, another contains
the engine throttles and boosters, while
the third, the cockpit, gives your speed,
height and forward view.
Once airborne, and believe me that's
a feat in itself, you fly across the English
Channel to the French coast. A map
screen allows your heading to beset, as
well as giving vital information on
enemy ground positions.
Nothing much happens until you
reach French airspace. Searchlights
suddenly pierce the darkness, and
unlessthey'reshotoutwithaswiftbitof
cannon fire, you become easy pickings
for the highly manoeuvrable ME110
night fighters of the German Luftwaffe.
If you survivethe nightfighters, avoid
the barrage balloons, dodge the flak,
shoot out the searchlights and exting¬
uish any engine fires that might have
started during the flight, you can
attempt a run at one of the dams.
While approaching the dam and
settingyourbombspinning in itscradle
dangled beneath the Lancaster's belly,
several screens must be toggled be¬
tween to check on your height and
distance from the target. When every¬
thing is in order, a press of the fire
button sends the bomb bouncing over
the water's surface.
In the disk-based version of Dambus¬
ters, the bomb is actually shown in
profile approaching the dam. After a
fixed time interval the screen goes
blank, and you are left with a nailbiting
wait to see if your efforts have been a
success. Tape users will not have this
option, although they will have the
excellent screen where the dam is
smashed and water gushes out.
From bouncing bombs to nuclear attack — Stephen Applebaurn goes to
wan joins MI5 and tiptoes down to the fairy dell in this month's
selection ofthe best games for tjie Commodore^ 64, Spectrum anc[ Appje
Macintosh.
208 PC W AUGUST 1985
bottom of the garden, Elidon will make
you think again. In a world which turns
Cicely Mary Barker's poem, Where, on
its head, every day becomes a struggle
for survival. Butterflies become butch¬
ers, and even the seemingly harmless
flowers hold little solace for a flight-
weary fairy.
The Elidon of thetitle is a secret forest
which is just emerging from the icy
clutches of winter. The fairy queen rules
overtheforest, and is in need of a crown
which must be a garland made from the
seven flowers of Finvarra. Unfortunate¬
ly the garland cannot be made until the
flowers bloom, and that means expos¬
ing them to seven magical potions
Chips with everything
Title: Chipwits
Computer: Apple Macintosh
Supplier: BrainworksIncUS
Format: Disk
Price: $49.95
According to the manual, 'Chipwits
teaches . . . general problem-solving
methods, both intuitive (right-brain)
and logical (left-brain)'. Well, how can
you expect to get on if your left brain
doesn't know what your right brain is
Tinker, tailor... mole
Title: The Fourth Protocol
Computer: Commodore 64, Spectrum
48k (usedfor screenshots)
Supplier: HutchinsonComputer
Publishing
Format. Cassette, disk
Price: £12.95 (Spectrum and
Commodore64 cassette), £15.95 (disk)
Games based on books or films often
tend to be smash-and-grab affairs, with
little more than the most tenuous of
threads linking the software to the
original material. The Fourth Protocol,
hidden throughout the forest. It is your
task to find the mystical cordials, give
your queen a crown, and win the
privilege of sitting at her side.
In play, Elidon is very reminiscent of
Sabre Wulf. The graphics are extremely
pleasing to the eye, depicting various
parts of the forest with its different
flowers, pulsating butterflies, and other
less recognisable creatures. Rather
more disappointing is the fairy that you
guide around theforest. Orpheus extols
the virtues of her animation, but apart
from the wings, she seems to be
suffering from acute, and very early
rigor mortis.
Moving around this strange world
doing?
In spite of what the manual says,
Chipwits is actually fun to use.
The basic ingredients are a little
bespectacled robot called a Chipwit and
eight different 'environments' that it
has to negotiate. Each different en¬
vironment consists of a number of
rooms holding assorted good things
and bad things. At the most basic
level, the idea is to eat the good things
and zap the bad. At higher levels, you
have to negotiate a maze or pick up an
object surrounded by exploding
bombs.
In order to successfully negotiate the
different environments, you need to
develop individual programs to drive
the little Chipwit. This is where the
package is really clever — you build up
the program by dragging little chips
aroundthe screen andcombiningthem
to form the program. Each chip has an
arrow pointing out of it which you can
set to point to the next chip.
The basic Chipwit programming op¬
tions allow you to Look, Feel and Smell
the room for objects and move the
based on Frederick Forsyth's book of
the same name, by no means falls into
this trap, thanks to the programmer's
eye for detail and obvious respect for
the author's work.
Forsyth's explosive plot centres
aroundthe last few weeks leading up to
a general election. Political advisors in
the Kremlin want the Labour Party
returned to power becausethey believe
it could be duped into withdrawing
Britain from NATO, so creating an
opening for a Russian invasion and,
ultimately, a Soviet take-over of main¬
land Europe. To try to ensure Labour's
re-election, Moscow prepares plan Au-
can be very painful indeed. Until you
know what is and what isn't safe to
touch, you find yourself constantly
being sapped of fairy dust—the elixir of
life.
To complete the game, you have to
work out what effects the various
objects lying around the different
screens have. Only three can be carried
at a time, but there are far more dotted
about Elidon.
Elidon is a nice and quite original
diversion from the usual search-and-
pick-uptypeof game. Both the graphics
and sound are good, and make up a
program which should have a lot of
appeal in the younger age bracket.
Chipwit forwards, backwards, left or
right. When the Chipwit has found
something, it can either eat it or zap it.
The graphics for eating are especially
good — a little arm extends from the
robot, grabs the object and brings it
back for the robot to chomp on.
If you select the zap option, a little
laser gun appears on the Chipwit's
head and it vaporises whatever is in
front of it.
Using these basic tools, you can
make up an extremely dumb Chipwit
which just blunders around aimlessly
and eats or zaps everything it comes
across.
When you get more adventurous,
you can play around with pushing and
poking data on and off stacks, and
building much more intelligence into
your Chipwit. You can have it rushing
through the rooms remembering
where it's been, and differentiating
between good things and bad.
As an educational program, Chipwits
is very good. Not only does it teach the
fundamentals of programming, it is fun
to use.
rora — a scheme to explode a small
nuclear bomb, following it up with a
condemnation of the US whom it will
blame for the atrocity. This, it is hoped,
will coax people into voting for Labour,
the only party advocating unilateral
disarmament.
Hutchinson Computer Publishing's
game is quite true to the book. There are
three parts to the program, the first two
of which are purely icon-driven, while
the third is an arcade phase requiring
both the nimble use of a joystick and
some very fast typing.
Program one begins with you being
appointed head of CI(A) (the MI5
section responsible for security of
government buildings) and on the trail
of a mole within the organisation.
Positioned aroundthescreen are sever¬
al large icons, each of which provides a
facility for either storing, retrieving or
finding new information. Placing a
cursor over any of the icons produces a
menu from which a function can be
selected.
One of the most often-accessed icons
is a large telephone. This allows you to
call up various computers, and talk to
AUGUST 1985 PCW 209
SCREENPLAY
other characters dotted throughout the
government and the Cl(A).
At the top of the screen is a video
camera. This represents your surveill¬
ance team, or 'watchers', as they are
called. A number of these super¬
snoopers can be sent out to keep watch
and report back information on the
person's whereabouts, personal life,
and so on. Details acquired in this way
can be filed for later reading.
Information gained from watchers
and various other sources should lead
you to the name of the traitor, and who
he or she is working for. Unless you
solve the puzzle within a 40-day (1 hour
20 minutes) time span, you cannot
progress to the second challenge. A
save option means that you don't need
to complete the game in one sitting.
Game two is much the same as the
first, except this time you are out of the
office and wandering around the
streets of London trying to locate the
bomb. There are many locations to
explore, so rather than hoofing round
the capital, you can catch a bus, take a
taxi, or sample the delights of the
Underground.
Apart from getting run over by a
London bus, there are many other
obstacles that will impede you in your
search. These range from the odd
terrorist to the great British rail strike.
Should you last long enough, you'll
hopefully stumble across the password
giving you access to part three.
Having found the bomb, it must be
defused. In the Commodore 64 version,
the screen depicts a room containing a
filing cabinet in which the device is
stored. As you try to open it, KGB agents
rush in and must be dealt with before
you are overpowered, leaving the
bomb to go off.
Thefinal part of theSpectrum version
is quite different, featuring a shoot-out
between agents from both sides. Not
until all the KGB stooges have been
killed can the cabinet be tackled and the
bomb defused.
The Fourth Protocol is an excellent
game — not only in its story line and
execution but also its graphics, all of
which go to make it a must for
adventure enthusiasts who like a game
with substance.
Sport for all
Title: International Basketball
Computer. Commodore64
Supplier: Commodore
Format: Cassette
Price: £5.99
It has been a long time coming, but
International Basketball has finally ar¬
rived and deserves to be as successful
as its predecessor, International Foot¬
ball.
Purists and close aficionados of the
Anyone for tennis?
Title: On-CourtTennis
Computer: Commodore64
Supplier: Activision
Format: Cassette
Price. £10.99
Tennis is a popular game for home
micros. Usually I'm not very good at it
because I either run to get the ball too
sport might be offended by the amount
of licence that has been exercised
where International Basketball's
accuracy is concerned, but this mainly
amounts to scaling down a team's size
from five to three players, and has little
effect on the overall game — if any¬
thing, it makes it easier.
Before attempting to play an oppo¬
nent, it is a good idea to get in some
practice against the computer. There
are nine different levels of proficiency,
so there's plenty of opportunity to
perfect your passing and shooting
skills. You should be able to beat the
computer every time at level one,
although I found it almost impossible to
even get the ball when playing it at the
highest level.
Another factor affecting the difficulty
of play is the rules. Three different sets
are available from the NBA and the
NCAA, up to the more imposing inter¬
national rules.
In play, International Basketball is
much the same as International Foot¬
ball in that only one man can be
early, too late, or not at all. On-Court
Tennis, therefore, should have cured
my ineptitude as the computer moves
both players. However, once it had
guided me to the ball, I messed
everything up by swinging the racquet
at totally the wrong moment. This was
not necessarily due to my bad timing,
but rather because there are so many
different strokes at your fingertips.
The game has been programmed so
that the joystick can simulate five
different shots. Moving the joystick
forwards produces a flat shot — back¬
wards^ lob—sideways right, a topspin
shot — sideways left, a slice, and by
pressing the fire button you can throw
in a drop shot.
Confused? You will be when you play
it. If that isn't enough, there are also five
different modes of serve. Oh, for the
days of Pong!
On-Court Tennis contains some very
nice features, not least of which is the
controlled at a time. The character
under control changes from momentto
moment, depending on which of the
three is nearest to the ball at any one
time. When he hasthe ball, a player can
jump, dribble and throw the ball. How
hard you throw it depends on the
duration of time you hold the fire button
down. A short press equals a short pass
and vice versa.
International Basketball is graphical¬
ly superior to International Football,
and just has the edge on sound quality.
The bouncing of the ball, for instance,
sounds impressively realistic, while the
clapping of the spectators is suitably
enthusiastic.
It's not often that a game based on a
sport manages to create the atmos¬
phere of the real thing, but International
Basketball goes past the stage of being
a non-effective, two-dimensional
representation to the point where the
player almost feels that he is actually
down there on the court. This is a mar¬
vellous game and one for everyone,
not just sport addicts.
option each player is given to choose
one of four top seeds. Each of the four
has different playing characteristics,
giving them all a margin of error on a
specific stroke, an unpredictable tem¬
perament, or low endurance.
The game also has a series of
different playing surfaces (grass, hard
court and clay), plus what the manual
terms a 'floating intelligence'. This
means that during a man-versus-
machine game, the computer can vary
its skill level as you become increasing¬
ly more competent. As soon as you
think you can win, the computer has a
flash of inspiration and pummels you
into the ground.
On-Court Tennis is certainly one of
the better sport programs for the
Commodore 64. Its graphics and sound
are good, while the action is thick and
fast. It's just a pity that Activision
doesn't provide the strawberries and
cream as well! RTfl
210 PC W AUGUST 1985
£3000
£2700
£2400
The Ferranti
lowdown on IBM mso
compatibles.
£1700
£1250
Until now you had to pay over the
odds for an IBM compatible personal
computer.
Not any more. Now you have a
choice.
At £1250* the Ferranti PC860 is 25%
cheaper than the nearest competing
IBM compatible.
Which is definitely incompatible
with what the PC860 offers - as
standard...
* 12 months on-site maintenance
FREE, with 8-hour response.
* PERFECT^ II applications software,
including filer, spreadsheet and word
processor.
* 256kb RAM expandable to an
outstanding 640kb, to cope with today's
bigger programs and masses of user
data.
* New IBM compatible keyboard.
* Inbuilt colour graphics, Centronics
interface, 3 IBM compatible expansion
slots and 2 full 16 bit slots.
* 8086 processor with true 16 bit
working for fast operation, yet with
supreme compatibility.
* New slimline package - only
166mm high.
And now for just £900* more, the
PC860 XT, gives you all this plus an extra
lOmb of database capability.
Whether you're a dealer or a
customer, get the lowdown on the
Ferranti PC860 and PC860 XT now, by
posting the coupon.
Ferranti Computer Systems Limited,
Derker Street, Oldham, Lancs. OL13XF.
Telephone: 061-624 9552.
Telex: 665764.
FERRANTI
Personal computers
* Excluding monitor and VAT.
+ PERFECT is the registered trade mark of Perfect Software Inc.
Ferranti PC 860
IBM compatible.
Price incredible.
Please give me the name and address of myH
nearest Ferranti PC dealer. □
Please send me the facts on the Ferranti
PC860 and PC860 XT.D
Name_
Position _
Company
Address _
Tel__
Post to:
Ferranti Computer Systems Limited,
Derker Street, Oldham, OL13XF. pcw/s/ss
AUGUST 1985 PCW 211
m WORKSHOP
FAST BBC DISK
FORMATTER
Although BBCdiskoperation is
already quite fast, this routine
increases it by up to 40 percent.
When disksareformatted by
the Watford or Acorn diskfiling
systems, the sectors on all
tracksareplaced intheorder7,
8,9,0,1,2,3,4,5,6. This means
that when the disk drive steps
from onetrackto another, it
missesthe first sector of the
nexttrack because the head
needs time to settle and so has
towaitforthedisktomake
another revolution. The disk
therefore needsto revolve
twice in orderto read or write
onetrack.
Opjpjappthiyseiection ofhardware and software tjps for the popular
querns. If you havea favourite tip to passon,senditto TJ's Workshop,
PCW, 32-34 Broadwick Street, Loridon W1A 2H<3. Please keep your
contributions concise and enclose a stamped addresse d env elo pe if
you wantthem returned f . We will pay £5-£30 for any tips we publish.
PCW canpccepqporesponsibjlityfordaniagepausedbyusingthese
tjps ! pndjpadersslqoul^notethatpnyjqard warejmodific atiq ns may
render the maker^s guarantee invalid.
640 ?*<76-*<4Bl 71.77-01 ?*<78-0
630 IF *il»aX-31 THE* ?*<79-«.2? ELSE ?«c 79= *.24
660 7I.7A-0
670 CALL oiiordX
680 IF ?*7A<>0 THEN VDU7i PRINT M Error 1 st -
690 PRINT "Formatted"
700 ENO
head time to settle down. The
firsttrackhasthe sectors
organised as 7,8,9,0,1,2,3,4,
5,6; thesecond,two further
back: 5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2,3,4, and
soon,The routine waswritten
forthe Watford DFSand
Shugart drives, and some
experimentation may be
needed for other set-ups by
altering the separate variable
in line 170. Isuggesttryinga
step rate of3or4, which should
speed updiskoperationsby
about30 percent.
To use the program, format
all your new disks with it as
usual. After this, all the normal
disk operations will operate
morequickly.
Notethatthe Acorn DFS
cannot have 62files, only 31.
Do not justformatyourold
disks if you want to speed them
up as this will erase them. Copy
QL MICRODRIVE
BACK-UP
Making back-upcopiesof
microdrive cartridgesfor the
QLcan be quite a problem.
With a large number of files, all
the old copies on the back-up
cartridge have to be deleted
and newversionscopied
acrossindividually.
This routine does the job
automatically by reading both
directories, and establishing
which are newfiles and which
areexistingonestobe
replaced. Itthen performsall
the required DELETE and
COPYcommands. The routine
works from a working copy in
MDV2_toa backupcopy in
MDV1_
Martin Ridgway
90 REMark
100 REMark
110 REMark = MICRODRIVE BACKUP
120 REMark =
130 REMark = by MARTIN RIDGWAY
140 REMark
150 REMark ALLOW A MAX OF 30 FILES
160 DIM filel*<30.20>
This routine formats the disk
sothatsectorsareplacedina
different order and gives the
thefiles from the old disk onto a
newly formatted one.
Morten Tolboel
170 DIM file2*<30,20)
190 REMark STORE THE DIRECTORIES INTO SEPARATE FILES.
220 GPEN_NEW £3,mdvl_dirl
230 DIR £3,mdvl_
240 CLOSE £3
250 0PEN_NEW £3,mdvl_dir2
260 DIR £3,mdv2_
270 CLOSE £3
330 REMark INITIALISE VARIABLES FOR PROCESSING OF DIRE*.TORIES
350 LET current* - ""
360 LET direct/ “ lif-icQuntX = l:headlineX * 0
390 0PEN_IN £5>mdvl_<fi rl
,400 READFILES
410 CLOSE £5
420 DELETE mdvl_dirl
440 LET flcount IX = flcount/ - 1
445 REMark -
446 0PEN_IN £5.mdvl_dir2
450 LET direct/. - 2» f 1 count/ = Uheadline/ = 0
480 READFILES
490 LET f 1 count2/ * fl count/. - 1
500 CLOSE £5
510 DELETE mdvl_dir2
520 REMark NOW COMPARE THE TWO LISTS OF FILE NAMES
540 FOR current2 = 1 TO flcount2X
550 LET match * 0
560 FOR current 1 = 1 TO flcountlX
570 IF fi1 el*(current 1) = fi1e2*(current2> THEN
580 LET match = 1
590 EXIT current 1
600 END IF
.610 END FOR current 1
620 IF match = 1 THEN
630 PRINT "Replacing "5
640 DELETE "mdvl_ , ‘ & f i 1 e2* (current2)
650 ELSE .
660 PRINT "Copying "5
670 END IF
680 COPY "mdv2_" & f i 1 e2* (curren t2) TO "mdvl " *< f i 1 e 2 * < ■:ur ren t2)
690 PRINT 1 ile2*(currei, t2>
700 END FOR current!'
710 STOP
720 REMark --
730 DEFine PRQCedure READFILES
740 REF'eat readloop
750 IF EOF (£5) THEN EXIT readloop
760 LET a* = INKEY* (£5)
770 REMark TEST IF THE FIRST TWO HEADER LINES HAVE BEEN PASSED
800 IF headline*/. = 2 THEN
810 U CODE(a*) = 10 THEN
820 ADDNAME
830 ELSE
85*' LET current* = current* & a*
860 END IF
87' ) I: E
89" IF CODE(a*) * 10 THEN
900 LET headline/ = headline/ + l
910 END IF
920 END IF
930 END PEPeat readloop
940 END DEFine READFILES
950 REMark -
960 DEFine PROCedure ADDNAME
212PCW AUGUST 1985
980 IF dir»ctX - 1 THEN
990 LET fiI#1*(f1countX) = current*
1000 ELSE
1010 LET fil»2*(fIcountX) = current*
1020 END IF
1030 LET flcountX - flcountX + i
1040 LET current* - ""
1050 END DEFine ADDNAME
ORIC POKES
AND CALLS
Many machine code
prog rammers want access to
the graphics routines in ROM.
The routines and their start and
data addresses are listed in
Fig 1.
Use of the command
CURSET120,100,1 will resultin
values being stored in
locations#2E1 to#2E6as
follows:
#2E1 :120
#2E2:0
#2E3:100
#2E4:0
#2E5:1
#2E6:0
To use the routines in your
machine, store values in the
appropriate locations as above
and then call the ROM routine.
The POKEs and CALLs
are also very useful for my
programs.
TrevorLatham
Command
Start address
Data addresses
CURSET
#EBDF
#2E1 to#2E5
CURMOV
#EBE2
#2E1 to#2E5
DRAW
#EBE5
#2E1 to#2E5
CIRCLE
#EBE8
#2E1 to#2E5
CHAR
#EBEE
#2E1 to #2E5
FILL
#EBFA
#2E1 to#2E5
PAPER
#F17F
#2E1
INK
#F18B
#2E1
PATTERN
Figl
#EBEB
#2E1
DOKE
27,#F42D
Resets the machine when a program is
broken into
POKE
#22B,64
Disables the reset button
POKE
805, N
Changes the repeat speed of the keys, with
N as the new speed
POKE
759,32
Puts the Oric into lower case
POKE
759,0
Puts the Oric into upper case
POKE
#C3,65
Disables PEEK, DEEK and any other function
CALL
#EF4D
Plot pixel at current hi-res cursor position
CALL
#EF 7 4
Invert pixel at current hi-res cursor
position
CALL
#EF94
Erase pixel at current hi-res cursor
position
CALL
#F72E
Switch caps message on
CALL
#F735
Switch caps message off
POKE
#2F1,128
Switch printer on
POKE
#2F1,0
Switch printer off
CALL
#E70E
Print ROM software designers message
CALL
#CC95
Display 'redo from start message’ and
continue with program
CALL
#CDCF
Display 'extra ignored' message
CALL
#FAFA
Produce key click
CALL
#FB10
Produce return click
CALL
#F64A
Toggle caps on/off
CALL
*F888
Soft reset
HARNESSING
THE 6845
Have you ever wondered how
many of the advanced video
tricks in the gamesforyour
BBCareproduced?The
answer lies in the 6845CRTC
chip which processes
everything that is passsed
to the screen.
This routine allowsthe user
tointerceptthecommandsto
the6845andchangethem—
thiscan have many interesting
effects. Thechip's 13 registers
are directly POKEd to atthe
addresses&FEOOand&FEOI.
Lines 50-60 in the routine
initialisetheregisters,andline
80 liststheirfunction. Youthen
enterthree values: the register
number, start, and final values
to place in it. Tapping a key will that show what the chip can do.
increase the value by one, from There are, of course, many
the initial to thefinal. Fig 1 other effects to be found,
contains some sample values Andrew Smith
Register
number
Initial
Final
Function
13
1
1000
Smooth pixel scrolling
00
1
1000
Tuning effect on TV
01
40
128
Materialising screens
01
128
40
4x magnification
09
6
6
Nolinegaps
10
1
1
Veryfatcursor
07
Figl
1
32
Scroll up
10 REM Harnessing the 6845
15 REM Video Chip
30 REM By Andrew.F.6.Smith.
40 MODE 4
50 *TV 255,0
60 *FX12,2
70 PRINT
80 FOR E7.=0 TO 13: READ ES: PRINT ,, No. " ; E7., E*: NEXT
90 INPUT '’"Register to alter";X
100 INPUT '"Start Value";S
110 INPUT ’"Final Value";L
120 PRINT” ’"PRESS A KEY-":A*=GET*
130 FOR R7.-S TO L
140 REM Set 1st 6845 byte
150 ?&FEOO=X
160 REM Set 2nd 6845 byte
170 ?&FE01»R*/.
180 A*=GET*:PRINTTAB(0,0) ;R7.;
190 NEXT
200 *FX12,10
210 DATA Total Cel 1 s, Hor i z . Char s, Hori a . Sync , Sync Width,Sire of Imps, Screen Re
fresh. Vert. Chars, Ver-t. Sync , Inter l acing. Vert. Lines, Cursor size & rate 1 , Cursor line
,High byte for scrol1ing,Low byte for scrolling
Paddle(0)for horizontal
movement; and Paddle(1 )for
vertical movement. Thetwo
buttons are treated as Paddle
buttons, Trigger 0 is the same
astheleftbuttonandTrigger 1
is the right button. The touch-
tablet buttonscan also be read
fromStick(O).
ATARI TOUCH-
TABLET
I have found a way to use my
Ataritouch-tabletinmyown
programs. The touch-tablet
usesthe paddle locations:
Stick (0)=15
No buttons pressed
Stick(0)=14
Touch-tablet stylus pressed
Stick (0)=11
Left button
Stick (0)=10
Stylusand leftbutton
Stick(0)=7
Rightbutton
Stick(0)=6
Stylusand rightbutton
Stick(0)=3
Both buttons
Stick (0)=2
JohnRisby
Stylus and both buttons
MEMOTECH
GRAPHICS
SCREENDUMP
This routine dumps a copy of
the Memotech graphics screen
toan Epson printer. Itproduces
a double-sized copy ofthe
original which can either be
blackon white or vice versa.
Theeasiestwayto readthe
graphics screen on the
Memotech isto use Control-B.
This, when senttothescreen,
has the same effect as
GR$(x,y,n),andexpectsthree
more bytes where x,y are the
coordinatesofthepointtobe
read and n is the number of bits
to be read down.
Beforethe routine iscalled.
VS4oragraphicsscreen must
be present or an error will
occur.
ChrisAmor
MTX TO EPSON SCREEN DUMP
The routine has four modes of operation.
The second byte holds the type in this case.
(0) This uses algorithm to match alternate points.
(1) Uses block of four points per screem pixel.
(2) Inverse of type 0.
(3) inverse of type 1.
writen by
50 CODE
Chris Amor.
July 1984.
864B
LD A, 0
;TYPE OF PRINT
B64D
EX AF,AF'
864E
LD D,191
;TOP OF DUMP
8650
LD B, 0
; B0T
8652
LD E,0
; LEFT
8654
LD C,255
5 RIGHT
8656
LD IX,£FD75
;PRORPL (OUTPUT DEVICE)
865A
LD HL,£03FC
;ADJUST SIZE OF DUMP
865D
LD A,B
865E
AND L
865F
AND 191
8661
LD B,A
8662
LD A,D
8663
OR H
8664
AND 191
8666
LD D,A
AUGUST 1985 PCW 213
ITS WORKSHOP
8667
866A
866C
866D
866E
8672
8673
8677
8678
867A ROW:
867B
867C
867D
867E INSTART:
867F
8680
8681
0683
9684
8687
8689
868A
8691
8692
8693
8697
8698
869E
B6A1
86A2
86A5
86A9
86AA
86AB
86AC
86AD
86AE
8 6 BO
86B1
86B3
86B4
86B5
86B7
86B9
86BA
86C1
B6C5
86C6
86C7
86C8
86C9
86CB
86CD
86CF
86D1
86D3
86D5
86D7
86D9
86DB
86DD
86DF
86E1
86E2
86E3
86E5
86E7
86E9
86EB
86ED
86EF
86F0
86F1
86F2
86F5
86F6
86F7
86F8
86F9
86FB
86FC
86FD
B6FE
86FF
8701
8702
8703
8704
8705
8708
8709
870A
870B
870C
870D
870E
870F
8710
8711
8712
8713
8714
LD HL,BYTE
LD (HL),0 ;CLEAR FIRST POSITION
PUSH BC
POP HL
LD <IX-t-0),l ;SELECT PRINTER
RST 10
DB £83,27,"A",8 ;SET LINE FEED FOR EPSON
LD B,D
JR INSTART
DEC B ;SET UP NEXT ROW POINTER
DEC B
DEC B
DEC B
PUSH BC
LD A, L
SUB E
LD B, 0
LD C,A
INC BC
SLA C
RL B
RST 10 ;SELECT EPSON GRAPHICS MODE
DB £A5,10,13,27,,4,£C0 ; FOR (BC) BYTES
POP BC
LD C,E
LD (IX+0),0 ;SELECT SCREEN
RST 10
DB £A2,27, "C" ,£E0,£81,4 ;GR*(X,Y,4> RESULT IN WKAREA
LD A, (£FE1A) 5 BYTE REtURNED BY GR*
PUSH BC
CALL ABYTE ;DOUBLE SIZE
LD <IX+0),1 ;SELECT PRINTER
RSI 10
DB £C0 ;SEND BC TO PRINTER
POP BC
LD A, C
CP L
JR Z,FINISH ;IF LAST COLUMN
INC C ;NEXT COLUMN
JR COL
LD A,B
SUB H
SUB 3
JR NZ,ROW ;FOR NEXT ROW
RST 10
DB £86,10,13,27,"A",lO,13 ;RESET LINE FEED
LD (IX-K>),0 ;RESET SCREEN
TO BASIC ?
ENTER WITH BYTE IN A
RESULT RETURNED IN BC
ROUTINE DOUBLES HEIGHT AND uENGTH OF PLOT
NEXT1:
NEXT2:
NEXT3:
NEXT4:
NOINV:
TYPEO:
RET
LD C,A
PUSH DE
XOR A
BIT 0,C
JR Z,NEXT1
OR 3
BIT 1,C
JR Z,NEXT2
OR 12
BIT 2,C
JR Z,NEXT3
OR 48
BIT 3,C
JR Z,NEXT4
OR 192
PUSH HL
EX AF,AF '
BIT 1 , A
LD H, O
JR Z,NOINV ;JUMP FOR BLACK INK
LD H,£FF
BIT O,A
JR NZ,TYPE 1
LD B , A
LD A,(BYTE)
LD E,A
AND B
LD D,A
LD A,E
SRL A
AND B
OR D
LD D , A
LD A, E
SLA A
AND B
OR D
LD C , A
LD A,B
LD (BYTE),A
POP HL
POP DE
RET
EX AF,AF'
XOR H
LD B, A
LD C,A
POP HL
POP DE
RET
DB O
MATCHES INTERMEDIATE POINTS
INVERSE BYTE IF H=£FF
ALGORITHM FOR INTERMEDIATE BYTES
BC HOLDS PAIR OF BYTES
NO MATCHING
INVERSE IF H=£FF
;B AND C HOLD SAME BYTE
ROW
ABYTE
NEXT1
NEXT3
NOINV
TYPEO
867A
86C6
86CF
86DB
86EB
B6EF
INSTART 867E
COL 8693
FINISH B6B3
NEXT2 86D5
NEXT4 86E1
TYPE1 870B
TIDYUP 86B9
Screen dump
EINSTEIN
JOYSTICKS
Finding a lackof joysticks
readily available for the Tatung
Einstein, I setabout
discovering what input was
required at the analogue ports
and if it was possibleto modify
an existing pair of joysticksto
meet this requirement.
TheEinstein hastwo7-pin
DIN sockets as analogue ports
on the right-hand side of the
computerwhich areconnected
to an analogue to digital (A/D)
converter. The connections
from the socketto the A/D
converterareshown in Fig 1. In
the Introduction manual,the
A/D conversion time is quoted
as4(Vsecs,and in the Basic
manual itquotesthe A/D
converter as a/ liPD 7002; this
A/D converter has a conversion
timeof 5msecs. therefore
investigated further and found
that the A/D converter fitted,
and the one the Introductory
manual referstoisthe
ADC0844.
The main difference
between the two is that the /jlPD
7002can be configured as
eitheran8-bitor 10-bit
converter under program
control. It is also slower than
the ADC0844 as previously
detailed (although 5msecs is
the time taken for 10-bit
conversionataclock
frequency of 2M Hz).
For use with the joysticks,
and differences betweenthe
twocan be ignored asthe
system software is designed to
handleit.TheinputtotheA/D
converter needs to be a voltage
swing oftwo volts,from
analogue ground (which you
connect to zero volts) and +2
volts (the value ofV ref held
internally at -l-2 volts). The
computer also requires a
switched five volts from the fire
button. With referenceto Fig 2,
you can see howthese
voltages are achieved and how
to connect the joystickto the
7-pin DIN plug.
Myjoysticks were fitted with
60-degree lOOkohm
potentiometers, and the
valuesofRI andR2inFig2
reflectthisvalue. Ifyour
joysticksarefitted with
differentvalues,then R1 and
R2 need to be one and a half
times the value of the
potentiometers.
I've used the modified
joysticks very successfully,
and haveaddedthefollowing
linestothePICPEN program
supplied with the Einstein
(used to draw pictures on the
screen) to stop the pen
disappearing off the screen,
whether using joysticks or the
keyboard.
2805IFX>254THEN X=
254:ELSE IFX<0THEN X = 0
2806IFY>191 THEN Y=
191 :ELSE IF YcOTHEN Y=0
D Smith
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Fig 7
Ovolts •
DIN socket
Xchannel
Fire button
•7 i# \
• 6 2<|>
Analogueground
V Reference
Ychannel
«•
ID /
•
+ 5volts
+ 5volts -
pin7
Xchannel
pin2
Analogue
ground
pin4
Ovolts
pin 1
Fig 2 Note: Xchannel O/P to be 0 volts when joystickto the
left, Y channel O/P to be Ovolts when joystickto the bottom
214 PCW AUGUST 1985
CADO SYSTEM 16.
FOR BUSINESSES WITH MORE
AMBITION IVAN BUDGET.
When your plans seem to overtake your capital,
then Cado System 16 is the computer system for you.
It lets you expand when you can afford to
without having to compromise on the equipment you
start with.
From its small compact beginnings (it can fit
under a desk), System 16 can be expanded up to 16
workstations, multitasking from a comprehensive
catalogue of software packages, including: word
processing, database, mailing, and a range of specific
business software such as Purchase and Nominal
Ledger; Stocks, Costing, Sales and Order Processing.
With your future in mind, System 16 gives all
software packages access to the main database, with
separate password protection for
individual databanks should you wish
to set up sub-companies.
Response is very fast. System
16 s revolutionary design gives you an
answer to your enquiry in only a
fraction of a second - faster than any
of the competition.
Naturally, Cado System 16 has the advanced
CCS Business Systems back up. That means complete
systems design, software support, peripherals,
technical back up and maintenance, co-ordin¬
ated from three regional offices in London,
Birmingham and Bristol.
In fact, System 16 is endorsed with every¬
thing youd expect from the $2 Billion strong
Contel-Cado Corporation.
Which should be reassuring, no matter what size
your company is now.
Contact your local office for a demonstration or
post the coupon now for more information.
To: Tony Cook, Sales Director, 7 CCS Business Systems,
Vulcan House, 163 High Street, Yiewsley, West Drayton,
Middlesex UB7 7QN. Please send me more information about
CADO System 16. PCW8 85
NW1I
w )smoN
COMPANY
ADDRESS
111 .
CCS Business Systems, Vulcan House, 163 High Street, Yiewsley, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QN. Tel: 0895 445757. Telex: 8814207.
BIRMINGHAM, 25-27 Smallbrook, Queensway, Birmingham B5 4HP. Tel: 021-632 5343. Telex: 337619.
BRISTOL, 1 Denmark Avenue, Bristol BS1 5HD. Tel: 0272 290245. Telex: 44363.
SUBSET
pri m. ..
nrnnmmrn
HEMMl
Paw'd Barrow presents more documented machjne code
routmes ancj useful information assembly^ language
programmer. lf_you have a good routing an iniproyernent
or conversion ofone already prjnted, or just, a hejpfuj
programming hint, tjien sencj it in and share it with other
programmers. Subroutines for^ny^fthppopujar
processors ancj computers are wejcome bid please include
full documentation. Ajj pubjjshecj code wjjj be pajcj for.
Sencj youp contributions to SubSet, PCW,
32-34 Broadwick Street , London W1A 2HG.
UNTRAPPABLE
DIVISION
In PCW , November 1984,
I issued a challenge for a
SubSet Class 1 signed 32-bit
division routine for the 68000.
The need for this is obvious in
the 68000, the 68008 and the
68010, which are limited to
32/16-bit division, with a built-
in error trap to catch out those
zero divisors.
The 68020, which designs
planets in its spare time, does
have several forms of full
32-bit division, but it suffers
from the (structurally sound)
fact that attempts to divide by
zero will be trapped and
exception processing in
Supervisor mode initiated.
However, Supervisor mode is
unlikely to be available to you,
the user, hence the need for a
division routine that cannot
be trapped.
Terry Browning's DIV32S
and DIV32U attempted to
solve the problem in PCW,
April 1985, but got it wrong on
a couple of counts. Firstly, his
code to set the overflow flag V
to show division by zero
actually missed its target by a
full eight bits — but without
causing any havoc. Secondly,
there is one possible overflow
condition in signed division
for which his DIV32S did not
test. Terry has, however, sent
improvements which correct
these mistakes.
Alasdair Macdonald of
King's Lynn and AJ Perkins of
Bracknell also sent corrected
improvements and some very
pertinent comments about
the 68000 series processors.
As no one version solved all
the problems of implementing
a Class 1 routine on all
processors in the 68000
family, code and ideas from
all three readers, along with
some of my own concepts,
are combined in this month's
Datasheet, DIV32.
SIGNED
OVERFLOW
Quotient overflow can occur
in a signed division only if the
dividend is the lowest
negative value, that is
-2,147,483,648 ($8000 0000
or -2*31), and the divisor is
-1. The quotient takes the
magnitude of the dividend
with a sign change forced by
the negative divisor, but the
highest positive value
expressible in 32 bits using
two's complement notation is
2*31 - 1. $8000 0000 negated
is still $8000 0000, a negative
value.
Terry Browning thinks the
output flags for the signed
division should distinguish
between magnitude overflow
and division by zero.
He suggests that the
overflow flag V be set to
indicate error with the carry
flag C set or reset to show
which type.
Mr Perkins, however, points
out that the C flag is always
cleared by the division
instructions of the 68000
series, whereas both N
(negative, sign) and Z are left
in an undefined state if
overflow occurs (more on this
later).
It seems sensible, therefore,
to use N or Z to flag the error
type instead of C. DIV32S and
DIV32U use the zero flag Z
and all three routines clear C.
SPEED
AND
LENGTH
Alasdair Macdonald notes
that the business of stacking
the SR is unnecessary in the
April versions of DIV32S and
DIV32U as the flags can be
manipulated by the "MOVE
#data, SR" instruction.
This produces quicker,
shorter code, and Alasdair's
routines at 38 bytes each were
indeed the shortest
submitted. Terry's improved
versions logged in at 86 bytes
(signed) and 64 bytes
(unsigned), and those of AJ
Perkins were 54 bytes and 44
bytes respectively.
which still requires a TST DO
to set exit flags and thus will
execute on the 68000 in 12 +
32 * (42-52) clocks. The loop
in DIV32Z takes 18+ 32*
(44-50) clocks — best case
timing has been traded for a
quicker worse case to
produce a more even
timing.
(...Main division loop,
DIVLP ADD.L DO,DO
ADDX.L D1,D1
CMP.L D2,D1
BCS DIVLPT
ADDQ.B #1,DO
SUB.L D2,D1
DIVLPT DBF D3,DIVLP
giving correct quotient.
(Shift dividend, clear bit O, DOSO
(shift remainder, get next bit. D3S1
(Will subtraction go? B282
(Skip if not, leave result “ O, 6304
(else set result bit and 3200
(subtract divisor. 9202
(Repeat for 32 dividend bits, 31CB
(end with correct quotient. FFF2
Fig 1
Other ways suggested by
Alasdair of speeding up the
routines' execution times are
to use equivalent but faster
instructions. ADD Dn,Dn and
ADDX Dn,Dn shift and rotate
data registers two or four
clocks quicker than ASL
#1,Dn and ROXL #1,DN and
MOVEQ #0,Dn will clear them
two clocks faster than CLR.L
Dn. (These figures are for the
68000, 68008 and 68010 —the
use of equivalent instructions
has a complex effect on 68020
timing.)
Equivalent instructions can
build confusion into your
programs, and unless speed
really is of the essence, clarity
is more important. However,
the quicker ADDX.L Dn,Dn is
used in the main division loop
of DIV32Z.
One method of speeding up
execution which Alasdair
missed is to take as much out
of a loop as possible. I have
done this in DIV32's division
loop, which actually
calculates the logical
complement of the quotient.
The terminating NOT
instruction both corrects the
result and sets the right exit
flags. For comparison, Fig 1
shows Alasdair's main loop
UPWARD
COMPATIBILITY
The main bugbear of the April
routines for Mr Perkins is the
simple fact that neither will
run on the 68010 or 68020 in
User mode.
As both 68010 and 68020
are designed as virtual
machines where both non¬
existent memory and
peripherals may be
addressed, the user cannot be
allowed access to the system
byte of the status register to
determine which mode is
currently in operation.
Consequently, Motorola has
made the instruction MOVE
SR,<EA> privileged on these
two machines. To restore
condition code access to the
user, it has provided the new
instruction MOVE CCR,<EA>,
not available on eitherthe
68000 or 68008.
So, in a series of very
sophisticated processors,
declared to be upwardly
compatible, there is no way to
program a move of condition
codes to either data register
or memory that is portable
216 PCW AUGUST 1985
across all processors in User
mode. Any half-decent
system software should, of
course, deal with the problem
and make the resulting illegal
instruction or privilege
violation processing
transparent to the user
program.
But system software writers
are not noted for their love of
low-level programmers, and
exception processing could
have drastic effects on time-
critical user routines.
The best fully-portable
method of putting the CCR on
stack below a subroutine
return address, ready for RTR
exit, is awaited.
DIV32 FLAGS
Mr Perkins ventured that any
Class 1 division should be
portable and should return
flag information of the same
order as that returned by the
68 xxx DIVS and DIVU
instructions. This is basically
the same reason why Terry
Browning originally saved the
Status Register to stack.
Essentially, N and Z should
return the sign and zero status
of the quotient, V should
signal overflow when set, C
should be clear and the
extend flag X should be
totally unaffected.
Overflow can be dealt with
by preliminary tests, and N, Z,
V and C are correctly set or
cleared by a terminal TST of
the quotient. X is more
difficult as many instructions
do affect it, but two methods
of preserving it are given in
DIV32.
The first, in DIV32S, is to
rotate it into the top byte of
stack. Restoration to the
condition codes is achieved
by a sequence of rotations
into and out of the quotient,
which also flag the quotient's
status.
The second method, in
DIV32Z, was originally used in
Z80 code. By moving the
result bits into the quotient
one shift in arrears, the carry
or extend flag can safely be
rotated through the quotient
register and back to the C or X
bit of the CCR. Qjj]
DATASHEET 1
- DIV32
> DIV32S
> DIV32U
> DIV32Z
JOB
ACTION
32-bit trap-proof division suits.
32-bit signed trap-proof division.
32-bit unsigned trap-proof division.
32-bit unsigned division with zero divide.
DIV32S - To divide one signed (two's complement)
32-bit number by another, returning 32-bit signed
quotient and remainder, or unchanged operands with
division by zero or quotient overflow information.
DIV32U - To divide one unsigned (absolute) 32-bit
number by another, returning 32-bit unsigned
quotient and remainder, or unchanged operands with
division by zero information.
DIV32Z - To divide one unsigned (absolute) 32-bit
number by another, returning 32-bit unsigned
quotient and remainder, or ’'high-values'* quotient
on division by zero.
DIV32SI-
IF divisor ■ 0s
THEN i
C Set division by zero error flags. 3
ELSE:
C IF dividend - -2^31 AND divisor - -1:
THEN:
L Set quotient overflow error flags. 3
ELSE:
C Compute quotient it remainder signs.
Compute absolute dividend it divisor.
Call absolute value division, DIV32Z.
IF quotient sign negative THEN:
C Negate quotient. 3
IF remainder sign negative THEN:
[ Negate remainder. 3
Flag quotient status. 3 3
DIV32U:-
IF divisor ” 0:
THEN:
[ Set division by zero error flags. 3
ELSE:
C Call absolute value division, DIV32Z. 3
DIV32Z:-
C1ear remainder register.
FOR 32-bit count:
C Shift last result bit to dividend\quotient,
shifting next dividend bit into remainder.
Subtract divisor from remainder.
IF subtraction went (C “ 0):
THEN:
C Skip, result = 0. 3
ELSE:
C Add divisor to remainder, result - 1.3 3
Shift final result bit into quotient.
Complement quotient, flagging quotient status.
CPU 68000, 68008, 68010, 68020
HARDWARE None.
SOFTWARE DIV32Z is a subroutine of both DIV32S and DIV32U.
INPUT DIV32S: D0 = 32-bit 2s co^ilement signed dividend,
D1 * 32-bit 2*s complement signed divisor.
DIV32U: DO - 32-bit unsigned (absolute) dividend,
DIV32Z: D1 - 32-bit unsigned (absolute) divisor.
OUTPUT DIV32S:
X unchanged X unchanged X unchanged
1
N quot. sign
NO N 0
:
Z quot. state Z 1 Z 0
:
V 0
VI VI
:
C 0
C 0 C 0
t
D0 quotient
DO dividend DO dividend (
—2~31)
:
D1 remainder
D1 divisor (0) D1 divisor (-
1)
: DIV32U:
:
X unchanged
X unchanged
:
N quot. sign
N 0
:
Z quot. state Z 1
:
V 0
V 1
i
C 0
C 0
:
D0 quotient
DO dividend
:
D1 remainder
D1 divisor (0)
: DIV32Z:
:
X unchanged
:
N quot. sign
:
Z quot. state
:
V 0
:
C 0
:
D0 quotient
(■ 4FFFFFFFF if divisor was zero.)
i
D1 remainder
(- dividend if divisor was zero
). )
:ERRORS None.
:REG USE A7 (USP), D0, D1, CCR
:STACK USE DIV32S: 14. DIV32UI 12. DIV32Z* 8.
:RAM USE None.
:LENGTH 128 (DIV32S: 82
. DIV32U: 12. DIV32Z: 34).
iCYCLES Not given.
:CLASS 1 *discreet
•interruptable •promable
♦relocatable *robust
:
DIV32 :Suite
of three trap
-proof division routines.
:...Signed division returning overflow information.
DIV32S TST.L
D1
(Test for a zero divisor,
4A81
OR I
#402,CCR
:set V flag without affecting
003C
:any other flags and exit
0002
BEQ
D32SX
:Z ■ 1 if division by zero.
6748
CMPI.L
#2~31,D0
:Test for other possible
0C80
:overflow, when dividend is
8000
i480000000
0000
BNE
D32S0K
i(okay if it isn't)
660C
CMPI.L
#-l,D1
:and divisor is 4FFFFFFFF
0C81
:giving invalid -»-480000000
FFFF
:quotient.
FFFF
EORI
#406,CCR
:Set V always and clear Z
0A3C
:only if D1 - -1 then exit
0006
BNE
D32SX
iZ ■ 0 if overflow error.
6634
D32S0K CLR.W
— (A7>
(Clear stack word for flags.
4267
ROXR
(A7)
:Save entry X flag state.
E4D7
TST.L
D0
(Test for negative dividend,
4A80
BPL
DRTST
(skip, okay, if positive,
6A04
NEG.L
D0
(else make absolute and set
4480
ORI.B
#y.n, (A7)
isign flags, quotient (bit 0)
0017
:and remainder (bit 1).
0003
DRTST TST.L
D1
(Test for negative divisor,
4A81
BPL
ABSDIV
(skip, okay, if positive,
6A06
NEG.L
D1
:else make absolute and
4481
EORI.B
#X01,(A7)
(correct quotient sign flag
0A17
(for changed sign result.
0001
ABSDIV BSR
DIV32Z
:Do absolute value division.
6128
BTST
#0,(A7)
(Test quotient sign flag
0817
:and skip, okay, if result
0000
BEQ
REMSGN
(should be positive, else
6702
NEG.L
D0
(change to negative.
4480
REMSGN BTST
#1,(A7)
(Test remainder sign flag
0817
(and skip, okay, if result
0001
BEQ
RESTX
(should be positive, else
6702
NEG.L
D1
(change to negative.
4481
RESTX ROXL
(A7) +
(Restore stored X flag and
E3D7
ROXL.L
#1 , D0
(rotate in and out of quotient
E390
ROXR.L
# 1 , D0
(to flag quotient status but
E290
AND I
#4FE,CCR
(preserving X, then clear C
023C
(leaving X N Z it V unchanged.
00FE
D32SX RTS
(Exit information correct.
4E73
:...Unsigned
division with
division by zero error information.
DIV32U TST.L
D1
(Test for a zero divisor,
4A81
OR I
#402,CCR
:set V flag without affecting
003C
:any other flags and exit
0002
BEQ
D32UX
iZ ■ 1 if division by zero.
6702
BSR
DIV32Z
(Do absolute value division.
6102
D32UX RTS
(Exit information correct.
4E75
:...Unsigned
division returning 4FFFFFFFF for zero division.
DIV32Z MOVEM.
L D2/D3,-(A7)
(Save working registers,
48E7
:D2 and D3 to user stack.
3000
MOVE.L
D1,D2
(Put divisor in D2 and
2401
MOVEQ
#0, D1
(dear D1 for remainder.
7200
MOVEQ
#31,D3
(Set 32-bit counter.
761F
:... Division
loop - the complement of the last result bit
is
:...looped round in the X flag to be shifted into the quotient.
:...(initially the input X
flag is shitted into the quotient).
DIVLP ADDX.L
D0, D0
(Shift in last result, shift
D180
ADDX.L
D1,D1
(next d'dend bit to remainder.
D381
SUB. L
D2, D1
(Subtract divisor and skip,
9282
BCC
DIVLPT
(C - X ■ 0 - result if gone.
6402
ADD. L
D2,D1
(else add it back, C - X - 1.
D2S2
DIVLPT DBF
D3,DIVLP
(Repeat for 32 bits, sending
31CB
(result bit to loop start.
FFF4
i...One more
shift moves final complemented result bit in
to
:...quotient
bit 0, and input X back to X flag. NOT complements
:...quotient
to correct it
, clears V and C, puts sign and
zero
:...status of quotient in 1
N and Z, leaving X unaffected.
ADDX.L
D0,D0
(Get last result, restore X.
D180
NOT. L
D0
(Correct quotient, set flags.
4680
MOVEM.
L (A7)+,D2/D3
(Restore working registers.
4CDF
:D2 and D3, from user stack.
000C
RTS
(Exit information correct.
4E75
AUGUST 1985 PCW 217
COMPUTER ANSWERS
Simcm Goodwill takes his toolkit to your problems. Vie address to write
to is ComputerAnswers, PCW, 32-34 Broadwick Street, London W1A 2HG.
Fully covered
Could you tell me the names
and addresses of any
insurance companies which
offer policies covering
maintenance, and so on, for
micros? My equipment is not
an essential part of my
business, therefore a repair
time of up to seven days
would be acceptable.
Glyn Taylor, South Kyme,
Lincoln
The best choice of insurance
depends to a great extent on
the value of the equipment
and its intended use. There
are really two questions here
— one about insurance
policies, which offer you
money if your computer is
lost or damaged, and one
about maintenance — prompt
repair of a faulty computer.
If you want to insure a small
system for personal use, you
may be able to include it
under your house contents or
personal possessions
insurance. In such a policy,
the computer is treated like
any other 'consumer durable'
— washing machines, TV
sets, record players, and so
on. Some policies require that
you list such items, with their
serial numbers. An additional
premium may be required if
the computer is worth more
than a certain amount, but
this varies from one policy to
the next.
Many house-contents
policies will also cover your
computer in transit to and
from temporary sites, such as
computer clubs. All reputable
computer clubs should have
their own insurance; the
Association of Computer
Clubs offers a range of
schemes to member clubs at
low prices. For more
information, contact Rupert
Steele through PCW.
You should carefully check
the small print of house-
contents policies to make sure
that your computer is
covered. Some policies
specifically exclude cover on
software or equipment used
for business rather than
leisure; you may also have
trouble arranging insurance
cover for recorded data. In
such cases, you have to rely
on the broker to suggest an
alternative.
High Street insurance
brokers are only slowly
becoming aware of the home
computer market. Make sure
they understand exactly what
type of cover you require
before you buy a policy, and
get the brokers to confirm the
cover with the company that
actually issues the policy if
there seems to be any doubt.
Most brokers will phone and
check at once if they are not
sure whether a policy is
appropriate.
As with car insurance, you
are covered for different
contingencies depending
upon the amount you pay. 'All
risks' cover generally
provides insurance against
accidental damage or
breakdown, but cheaper
policies may only cover fire
and theft.
Computers used in offices
may be covered under
existing policies for
typewriters, desks, coffee
machines, and so on, but you
should not assume that this is
the case. Again, serial
numbers and details of
valuable items will be
required by the insurers.
Commercial Union Insurance
and Eagle Star Engineering
offer computer-specific
policies for equipment worth
more than a few hundred
pounds. Halsey and Company
is described as 'the Insurance
Brokers for Computer People'
— phone (0272) 503716 for
details of their Repaircover
and Datacover policies.
Of course, insurance may
not fill your needs. It can take
a while to get your money
after equipment fails or is
stolen; the insurance
company will need to make
enquiries before it pays out,
and that could leave you
computer-less for some time.
You should insure your
computer as a matter of
course, in case it is stolen, but
there are a number of other
actions which you might take
if your policy does not
provide for a prompt
replacement.
Probably the best idea is to
come to some agreement
with your supplier. Many big
manufacturers (such as IBM,
ACT and DEC) offer
maintenance agreements
which cover personal
computers, but some of these
are quite expensive —
perhaps 20 per cent of the
equipment value per year.
The most expensive schemes
offer same-day replacement
of faulty machines, while
others may only guarantee
repair or replacement within a
few days.
Most of the more
professional computer
dealers offer similar services
for computers which they
have supplied. Such cover
can be convenient and cost-
effective, especially if you are
based close to the dealer's
offices, but it is up to you to
satisfy yourself that the dealer
can be relied upon.
If you use a small computer
it can be cost effective to buy
more than one system,
keeping one as a 'back-up',
especially as the value of
software and data soon
outstrips that of hardware
when a computer is in serious
use. Some firms (including
Mancomp (061) 224 1888 and
Video Vault (04574) 66555)
offer a 24-hour turn-round on
small computer repairs (the
BBC Micro, and so on).If you live
near one of them, or can
afford postal delays, you may
be able to get by without a
maintenance agreement.
Repairs to obscure
machines, printers and disk
drives tend to be slower, and
it is often hard to find firms
with the required specialist
expertise. Your dealer may be
able to advise you — local
help is very valuable in such
circumstances.
The best option for many
business users will be leasing.
Rather than buy your
computer outright, you hire it
from a specialist firm. If it
breaks down, you are
supplied with a replacement
while the original is repaired
(the arrangement is similarto
TV rental). Leasing can seem
fairly expensive, but it is
convenient and often has tax
advantages compared with
the outright purchase of
equipment. Micro leasing
firms exist in most big cities
— check Yellow Pages or
magazine small ads for
details.
Structured Basic
In the April issue of PCW,
Brian Heywood pointed out
that rational program control
can be maintained by the
judicious use of procedures
and functions, and the risk of
data corruption can be
reduced by the use of local
variables.
Could you publish a short
list of computers that have
such a Basic?
B Nesbit, Chopwell,
Newcastle upon Tyne
The best 'structured Basic' is
called Comal (COMmon
Algorithmic Language).
Comal is available for the BBC
and most Commodore
computers, including the 64.
BBC Basic on the BBC
Micro, the Electron and the
Tatung Einstein, has many
structured features but some
annoying limitations. For
example, you can't return
parameter values from a
procedure (even functions
only allow one value to be
returned). Selection facilities
are poor — IF..THEN..ELSE
cannot be properly nested,
and there is no CASE
statement to resolve choice
between more than two
alternatives.
The Basic interpreter of the
Enterprise is better in this
respect; SuperBasic on the
Sinclair QL is excellent,
although it has a few bugs;
RML Basic, for Research
Machines computers, is worth
examining, as is Apple's
wonderful (but costly)
Macintosh Basic.
As a last resort, you can buy
programs which add a
smattering of structured
features to a built-in Basic.
Popular choices are Simon's
Basic for the Commodore 64
and MegaBasic for the
Spectrum.
All structured Basics have a
common weakness — they
may allow you to structure
your program, but they offer
little in the way of facilities to
represent data in a structured
way. The records, sets,
pointers and sub-range types
in a full implementation of
Pascal are invaluable if you
really want to develop good
programming habits.
Precise display
How do you quantitatively
relate the resolving capability
218 PCW AUGUST 1985
of a domestic TV with aerial
input, a domestic TV with
RGB input, and computer
monitors of medium, high
and low resolution?
Presumably you count the
number of pixels across and
down the screen.
Perhaps you could expand
on this point, as it appears
that there is little available to
provide meaningful
comparison between the
above. Some figures (in
pixels?) for the above types of
set would be useful.
DS Gladwell, Camborne ,
Cornwall
The resolution of a display is
not easily expressed as a
single statistic, which is
probably why you can't find
the comparative figures you
describe. The resolution
varies depending on several
factors, including the
brightness setting of the
display (and thus, the ambient
light level), the relative
compatibility of the computer
and display, the source of the
signal and the information
being shown.
A monitor should out¬
perform a TV set, and a high-
resolution display should give
greater clarity than a low-
resolution one. An RGB or
composite video signal
should give better resolution
than a signal conveyed
through a TV aerial socket, as
less processing (and
concomitant degredation) is
needed to convert the signal
into a form which can drive
the display tube.
TV engineers measure
resolution in terms of
bandwidth, a measure of the
number of changes which can
be processed in a second. A
respectable TV will have a
bandwidth of at least 6MHz.
Monitors range in bandwidth
from 5MHz to 15MHz and
beyond. The greater the
bandwidth, the greater the
precision. You can't make
absolute statements about
pixels (display dots) as
different computers use
different proportions of the
screen area for a single pixel.
The Sinclair QL, for example,
uses twice the area used by
the Spectrum. There is no
standard size (or even shape)
of pixel; as a very rough
guide, a display with a
bandwidth of 6MHz will blur
information if it is asked to
display more than about 300
pixels across the screen. You
generally need a bandwidth
of 10MHz or more to crisply
display 80-column text.
When you examine a
display, you should check that
the 'white' display is even,
with a rectangular border, and
make sure that characters
near either edge of the display
are not unacceptably
distorted (or missing
altogether). It is possible to
adjust sets to reduce this type
of distortion, but you should
get the supplier to do this —
there are potentially lethal
voltages inside a TV set or
monitor.
So far, this applies to black
and white displays. When
colour is added, the picture
becomes even less clear. The
format of television signals
was decided before colour TV
appeared, so PAL was
invented to add colour
information to a black and
white signal. In the US and
Europe, similar but
incompatible systems are
NTSC and SECAM.
All the colour encoding
systems used in broadcasting
suffer from weaknesses
because they try to cram the
colour information into a
small bandwidth. Electronics
in the receiver extracts the
information, but this process
is imprecise. Fringes of colour
to one side of graphics on
many micro displays are
caused by inaccurate
synchronisation between the
brightness or 'luminance'
information and the colour or
'chrominance' signal.
This problem occurs on all
computers and TVs to some
extent— it also crops up on
video monitors connected via
a composite video lead. Its
severity depends upon the
relative adjustment of the
display and computer; the
only way to avoid it is to try
before you buy. There is a lot
of variation in the
performance of micros and
displays — especially cheap
models — so it is important to
take your computer to the
shop and leave with the
particular display you found
satisfactory.
It is possible to find a
second-hand colour TV that
will perform almost as well as
a monitor if you shop around
carefully, but you are unlikely
to find a TV that performs as
well as an RGB monitor.
Colour TV pictures are built
up from dots of three colours
— red, green and blue (hence
the name RGB). These
displays require a separate
feed to each of the 'guns'
which produce coloured dots.
The tubes are independently
controlled, reducing
interference problems and, in
theory, giving the best
possible display.
There are two types of RGB
display— analogue and
digital. Digital displays only
allow one level of control over
each gun, either on or off.
This simplifies the electronics
but restricts you to eight
colours — the eight
permutations of three binary
values.
With an analogue monitor
the intensity of each gun can
be set to any value, so you
can use a potentially infinite
variety of hues. In practice
your computer will restrict
you to a certain palette, but
you will generally be able to
use more than eight colours.
An analogue display is only
useful if the computer has an
analogue RGB output. You
should check with your
supplier if you are in any
doubt about this.
Any colour display can
suffer from alignment
problems. In such a case, the
relative positions of dots in
each primary colour is
skewed so that coloured
shapes have borders in other,
unwanted colours, and white
displays will appear to be
off-colour. These effects can
be concealed if you test a
display with text in primary
colours on a black
background, so you should
also look at a range of colours
on a white background. If the
guns are misaligned, the
white may look off-colour and
there may be coloured fringes
around some shapes.
Character study
I read with interest the article
on the Oberon Omni-Reader
in the April issue of PC\N. Is
there a machine that can read
printed or photocopied text
(with no limitation of
typefaces), and read dot¬
matrix printing? What exactly
is the 'learn mode'? What
interface software is
available?
Jesus Maria Boccio, Brussels ,
Belgium
We've had quite a few letters
on this subject. Unfortunately,
I know of no reasonably-
priced machine that can read
'any' text, regardless of size or
style. In essence, the problem
is that there's so much
variation between typefaces
that the differences between
one style and the next
outweigh the similarities
between identical letters.
Computers find distorted or
patchy text hard to read, while
humans can compensate for
such errors without much
effort. However, people often
confuse characters which are
mirror images of each other
— 'b' and'd', for example —
while computers see such
distinctions as clear cut.
Even the Omni-Reader,
which can only read one
typeface at a time, makes an
occasional mistake. There's
little doubt that more general
reading machines will be
developed, but it will take
some time.
Generalised character
recognition will certainly
benefit from the availability of
new microprocessors and
algorithms (such as those
used in speech and vision
analysis), but it will be some
years before the system you
describe becomes available at
a price comparable to that of a
small computer. You should
also bear in mind that such
systems become less reliable
as they are progressively
made more flexible — a
machine that can handle a
mixture of four typefaces has
more scope for error than one
which confines itself to a
single size and style.
Experimental systems to
read handwriting are costly
and unreliable at present,
although simpler 'pattern¬
matching' systems which can
recognise signatures are
creeping onto the market.
Even the most expensive
character readers (used by
banks and large businesses)
are restricted in the character
sets they can recognise. In
fact, the Omni-Reader
performs well in comparison
with many such devices,
which often require special
OCR character sets— letter-
shapes which have been re¬
designed so that their
differences are accentuated.
The oldest and tattiest of
these shapes is called OCR A,
the blotchy, rectangular style
of lettering used along the
bottom of UK bank cheques.
Oberon hopes to add a
learn mode to future models
of the Omni-Reader, which
will allow you to 'teach' the
machine a new typeface by
presenting it with each
symbol, and by telling the
machine (probably via your
computer keyboard) the
corresponding character.
This is likely to be a fairly
intricate process, and it will
take care to get results as
good as those for the pre¬
programmed typefaces, but it
should allow you to process,
for example, documents
printed in a specific dot¬
matrix typeface.
The Omni-Reader uses a
standard two-way RS232
interface, which means that it
behaves very much like a
remote terminal or telephone
modem. You'll need to find a
cable to link the reader to your
computers — the device has a
standard 25-pin D plug, then
almost any communications
package should allow you to
copy data from the device to a
disk file on your computer.
Oberon can supply
specially-written software to
link the reader with some
common business
computers. For further
details, telephone
(0442) 3803. E3D
AUGUST 1985 PCW219
Paging Prestel
Iniprovedaccess to Prestel and the low-down on PSS are covered by Peter
Tootill in this month's round-up of networks news.
BT is introducing new equipment which
will give improved access to systems
such as Prestel and Telecom Gold. It will
extend local call access to 96 per cent of
telephone users, and provide a quicker
connection. Most people call Prestel by
dialling a three-digit code (often 618)
but it can still take several seconds for
the Prestel modem tone to appear. The
new equipment is claimed to make the
connection in half a second, and instal¬
lation should be completed next year.
The local call access will include
access to the Prestel editing computer,
which is a big advance if you want to
edit Prestel pages. At present you have
to call a London telephone number.
The ClubSpot pages in the Prestel
Microcomputing area should benefit
from this. These pages are run by the
ACC (Association of Computer Clubs)
and are open to local computer clubs to
edit. The club can put up details of its
aims, programmes of meetings, and so
on. One of the problems has been that
many clubs have been unwilling to
contribute because of the cost of the
telephone calls involved. If your club is
interested, contact the ACC at the
address given in End Zone, page 230.
The new system will also provide
2400 bits/secfull duplex (CCITT V.22bis)
access. This will be of academic interest
to the average home user for the time
being, as suitable modems are still
uncommon and cost well over £500.
However, prices should come down
eventually—it's not long since a simple
300 bit/sec modem was expensive.
Users with 300bit/sec modems will also
be able to use Prestel, in the same way
as can now be done via PSS.
PSS
PSS (Packet Switch Stream) is British
Telecom's packet-switching data net¬
work. It is basically a network for data
communication, in the same way that
the ordinary telephone system is a
networkfor voice communication. And,
just as it is only worth having a
telephone if other people you want to
talk to have one, so it is only worth
having a PSS account if the online
systemsyou want to communicate with
are connected to it. It isn't like Prestel,
which is a system that you call for its
own sake.
What will you find on PSS? There
aren't many systems that are open to
the public, most are for subscribers
only. Indeed, to use many (such as
Telecom Gold, Dialog, and so on) you
don't even need to have your own PSS
account; you just dial your local PSS
access point (a local call for most
people) and use the appropriate
account number. One of the best-
known systems that can be used by
anyone who has a PSS account is Essex
University's MUD, but this is only
available during restricted hours.
(There were rumours at the time of
writing that Essex's MUD will be closing
down, and that British Telecom has
bought a new version (Son of MUD?)
which I assume will be available on
Telecom Gold where BT already has a
number of games (see Chipchat PCW
July).
Prestel can be used via PSS, and this
enables people who haven't got 1200/
75 modems (or who can't use them
because their computer won't allow
split baud rates) to use Prestel. The
relevant PSS address (the PSS equiva¬
lent of the phone number) is
A21920100620. Apparently, there is
also a PSS address that gives you
Prestel without the graphics, so you
don't even need special software to use
it. If you want to see what Prestel is like,
there's a demonstration ID available —
you use account number 4444444444,
password 4444.
One of the advantages of PSS is that it
is linked to other international packet
networks, and you can communicate
with systems in other countries much
more cheaply than if you were to dial
direct. For example, a phone call to the
US works out at £35/hour (+ VAT) at
cheap rate, and £43/hour at peak rates.
PSS charges would come to between
£10 and £15 per hour, depending on
how much data is transmitted. In this
way, you can use systems in the US
such as The Source and CompuServe.
A PSS account costs £25 plus £6.25 a
quarter. On top of this, there are time
charges for inland calls of around £1 an
hour and data charges of 15-25p per
kilosegment (PSS insists on measuring
data in 'segments'—one segment is 64
bytes). International calls cost from
£1.32/hour and £1.20 per kilosegment
(Europe) to £6/hour and £4 per kiloseg¬
ment for intercontinental calls. The
costs work out at about £1.50 an hour
for inland calls and £10 an hour for the
US. Add about 50 per cent if you use a
1200/75 or 1200/1200 modem, as you
can shift more data in the same time. On
top of these, you still have ordinary
telephone charges for the call to your
local packet-switching exchange (PSE).
Why 'packet switching'? The name
comes from the way the system works:
it breaks your data into chunks, adds
details such as who sent it, where it's
going and how it fits together with the
other blocks you send. These blocks are
called 'packets'. Each packet, along
with those from everyone else using the
system at the same time, is sent
independently on the network to the
destination — your packets may not all
go by the same route. At the other end,
they are reassembled into youroriginal
data and passed to the system you are
calling.
The thing that does the breaking up
and reassembling of the data is called a
'PAD' (packet assembler/disassemb¬
ler). The system is standardised inter¬
nationally so that a British PAD can talk
to an American PAD, and so on. The
protocols used are specified by the
CCITT X.25 standard (the CCITT is an
international standards organisation).
Expensive calls
I have recently discovered that British
local phone call charges are among the
world's highest, but this may come as
no surprise to you. What may come as a
surprise is that our long distance and
international calls are some of the
cheapest in the world!
For example, a three-minute stan¬
dard rate local call costs lip in Britain,
6.5p in the US, and 6-7p in other
European countries (in Canada, local
calls are free!). A similar long distance
call would cost 43-54p in the UK, 30-90p
in Europe and around £1.20 in the US or
Canada. International calls vary de¬
pending on distance, but from the UK,
say £2-£3forthree minutes and £4from
the US or Canada. Germans would pay
around £6! It can cost you less to call a
US bulletin board from the UK, than an
American calling long distance in his
own country. rTffl
220 PCW AUGUST 1985
UK free networks
Bulletin Board
Aberdeen ITEC
BABBS-Bath
BABBS-Felixstowe
BABBS TWO-Basildon
Basildon ITeC
BASUE
Blandford Board TBBS
CABB TBBS
CBBS SW
CBBS Surrey (Woking)
Chatham (Kent)
CNOL Lancaster TBBS
Phone Number
(0224) 641585
(0225) 23276
(0394)276306
(0268) 778956
(0268) 22177
(0268) 25122
(01) 373 6337
(0258) 54494)
(01) 631 3076
(0392) 53116
(04862) 25174
(0634)815805
(0524) 60399
Computers Incorporated Newcastle (CBBS) (0207) 543555
Forum 80 Hull (0482) 859169
Forum 80 SPA (0926) 39871
Forum 80 Wembley (01) 902 2546
Fido Compulink
Fido Fastnet
Fido Fore TBBS
Hackney BBS
Hamnet Hull
Livingstone, Scotland
London Underground
Liverpool Mailbox TBBS
Mactel (Nottingham)
Mailbox-80 W Midlands Stourport TBBS
Manchester Open Bulletin Board TBBS
Marctel
MBBS-Mitcham
MG-Net CBBS London
Microweb Manchester TBBS
NBBBS-North Birmingham TBBS
NBBS-E BBC Micro
NBBS Lutterworth
NKABBS
OBBS Manchester
Octopus RAS
PIP-Sheffield TBBS
REACT UK
SABBS Glasgow
SBBS Southern
Southern BBS
Stoke ITEC
Teletrieve (CTC)
TBBS London
TYNESIDE BBS
VISA
WABBS-Worthing
(06286) 63571
(051) 260 5607
(01) 301 4110
(01)985 3322
(0482) 497150
(0506) 38526
(01) 863 0198
(051) 4288924
(0602)289783
(0384)635336
(061)7368449
(01)346 7150
(01)648 0018
(01)399 2136
(061)4564157
(0827) 288810
(0692) 630186
(04555) 4798
(0795) 842324
(061)4271596
(0272)421196 (Bristol).
(0742)667983
(0376) 518818
(0698) 884804
(0923) 676644 (Watford)
(0243)511077
(0782) 265078
(0484) 657299
(01) 348 9400
(091) 251 4271
(01)958 7098
(0903) 42013
Notes
V.23
300/300 baud rate; 9pm-8am weekdays, 9pm-noon
weekends; Atari-based system, ring-back system
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; Apple users' group
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; Apple users' group
with special area for queries to Apple UK
Prestel type service
Atari based 300 baud. 24 hour
24 hour
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily 4* 1200/75
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily
1200/75 and 300/300 baud rates; 24 hours daily; jokes,
jobs, reviews, news
6pm/9am daily + weekends 7 bits, even parity; sales and
wants — cars, houses, computers
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; Clinical Notes Online
service, mainly for medical users; works in conjunction
with a database on the Datastar network
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; primarily business-
oriented
300/300 baud rate; 5-11.30pm weekdays, noon-11.30pm
Sundays, Bell 103 standard, midnight-8am daily; interna¬
tional electronic mail, library for up/downloading
300/300 baud rate; 11pm-midnight daily; TRS-80 and
Genie users' group
300/300 baud rate; 7-10pm weekdays, midday-10pm
weekdays; electronic mail, library for down loading; ring
and ask for Forum 80
24 hour
10pm-8am BELL 103/212a tones only at present
Fido 1am-8am
V.23 Password: PUBLIC
300/300 baud rate; 6pm-8am daily
Atari, 24 hours daily
24 hours V.21/V.23 (Viewdata coming soon) BBC Based
(colour for BBC users)
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; sponsored by INMAC;
electronic mail, program downloading, TRS-80 informa¬
tion; messages for PCW can be left on the board and will
normally be read by us within 24 hours
V.21/V.23 Macintosh users 24 hours daily
300/300 baud rate; 6pm-8am daily
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily + 1200/75
lOam-IOpm daily (24 hour coming, watch for announce¬
ment on Marctel) BBC based system (FBBS) with colour
for Commstar users
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours; BBC-based system with jokes,
graffiti, electronic mail, and Atari and BBC sections
300/300 baud rate; 5-10pm Sunday; electronic mail,
program downloading
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; Micro User magazine,
mainly for BBC users
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily
BBC Based 24 hours daily
Mon-Fri 8pm-11pm; Sat 9pm-10pm; Sun 9am-12.30pm
9.30pm-midnight
300/300 baud rate; weekdays except 7pm-9pm, weekends
except lOam-IOpm
6pm-8.30am V21 using public domain Octopus software
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily. Bell 9pm-8.00am
24 hours. Mainly Dragon
Atari, 24 hours daily
1tpm-8.30am daily; BBC based V.21/V.23
300/300 baud rate; 8pm-2am daily; ring-back system (dial
the number, let phone ring once, and then ring back);
messages, downloading
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; remote CP/M system
6pm-8am
300/300 baud rate; 9am-7pm daily
V.21 BBC based
8am-11pm daily V23 Prestel type
300/300 baud rate; 24 hours daily; ring-back system (dial
the number, let phone ring once, and then ring back);
Atari-based
UK subscriber commercial/business systems
Bulletin Board
Comet
Micronet 800
Prestel
Telecom Gold
Phone Number
(0527)28515
(01)278 3143
Freefone 100
Prestel sales
(01)403 6777
Notes
Message handling system: Details from Istel Ltd, Grosve-
nor House, Prospect Hill, Redditch, Worcs
Prestel database information for micro users. Details from
Micronet 800,8 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EJ
Subscribers only
All information from Sales Admin, 60-68 St Thomas Street,
London SE1 3QU
AUGUST 1985 PCW 221
TRANSACTION FILE
Yourdiance to bu se// orswap equipment
BBC "B" DFS, £250.
Torch CP N card and Perfect
software, £200. Dual TEAC
40 80 DS Drives, £200. Green
monitor, £50. Epson FX100,
£300. The lot £950. Will split.
Tel: (0256) 75717 (Tozer).
• SHARP MZ80A 48k.
Immaculate condition. Built-
in monitor and cassette deck.
Over £150-worth software,
£250 ono. Tel: Andrew on
(0706) 343791.36 Great
Howarth, Smallbridge,
Rochdale (after 6.30pm).
• COMMODORE 3032,
switchable 80-column board,
Basic 4, £250. Easyscript for
64, £20. 3M photocopier, £50.
Will exchange BBC/Tandy or
anything interesting (plus
cash). Tel: John on (0429)
34346 or 74318.
• EPSON HX20.
Microcassette drive,
expansion unit, H020 display
adapter, documentation,
some software. Needs new
battery pack, £350. TF20 dual
disk drive. As new, £400. Tel:
Crowthorne (0344) 771395.
• MICRO FOCUS Cobol for
the Sirius 1. Complete with
manual, £25. Tel: Bordon
(04203)7194.
• APPLE system ITT 2020,
48k, twin disk drives,
matching TV/monitor, colour
card, paddles, four boxes,
disks, manuals, magazines,
£400. Tel: Warrington (0295)
827649 (eves).
• SINCLAIR SPECTRUM.
Interface one, two
microdrives, printer, £250.
Software, books, £250 ono.
Acorn Electron, £75 ono.
WANTED BBC Model B, plus
interface and disk drive. 6
Queens Road, Camberley,
Surrey, GU15 3AN. Tel:
(0276) 65275.
• SANYO MBC555. 256k
RAM, WordStar, CalcStar,
DataStar, and some other
software, £700 ono. Tel:
Hartlepool (0429) 61667
(anytime).
• ACT SIRIUS. 80 card CP/M-
80 for the Sirius, made by
Sirius Systems Technology,
£50. Tel: 021-350 3531.
• VIDEO GENIE EG3003. 16k,
built-in cassette, 12in green
vdu, Sekoshia GP 100A
printer. Computer desk,
catalogue books, lots of
programs. Galaxy Invaders,
Nova, Inventory, Typing,
£400. Tel: Durban on
Wokingham (0734) 775192.
• MSX 64k Toshiba, boxed, 3
months old, £146. Any
demonstration. Original
software, printer lead,
joystick, word processor. All
below half price or negotiate
deal. All perfect condition.
Tel: Luton (0582) 32365.
• GENIE 364k. CP/M2.2, twin
80-track 600k drives,
detachable 88-key keyboard,
RS232 parallel interfaces,
runs TRS-80 programs, CP/M
software, WordStar,
Cardbox, Accounts, various
languages, utilities, games,
manuals, £850. Tel: Davies
on Wolverhampton 23735.
• EPSON HI-80 plotter, £360
ono. Can be also used as a
printer. Still under guarantee
(9 months). Used for
software development, now
surplus to requirements. Tel:
Slough (0753)683854 (eves
after 7pm)
• SHARP MX-80A personal
computer. Built-in Hi-Res
screen, tape, superb
keyboard, pure 48k. Runs M/
code, Basic, Pascal, Forth.
Immense graphics/music
capability, universal
printerface, lots software,
manuals, £225. Tel: (0734)
788300/871142.
• LISA APPLE software. Nine
disks Office System I, Office
System II, Draw, Project,
Write, List, Graph, Calc,
Guide. £30 each. £200 the lot.
Tel: 041-637 4418 (after
6pm).
• XEROX 820. With dual
240k disk drives and boxed
WordStar and SuperCalc,
£500. Tel: St. Albans (0727)
58031.
• ZX MICRODRIVE and lead
for QL! Boxed, hardly used,
also will give 6 cartridges,
£25. Tel: Richard on (0772)
58044 (day), (0772) 713941
(night).
• CLEAROUT. 40 used Apple
11+ disks, many with
programs on, £20. Tel:
Richard on (0772) 58044
(day), (0772)718941 (night).
• DAISYSTEP 2000 d/wheel
printer. Fully WordStar
compatible. Qume daisy and
ribbon, ideal for BBC or any
with Centronics port. Never
used, selling due to
imcompatibility with
NewBrain, £190 ono. Tel: 01-
794 7030 (after 6pm).
• APPLE III software, Orbit
System, General Ledger,
Purchase Ledger, Sales
Ledger, Plus Sprite and
manuals. Also Apple Writer II
. Offers please. Tel: 01-249
5881 (pm or w/ends).
• LEAR SIEGLER ADM-3A
video terminal, £135.
Memory chips: 64k Dynamic
200 NS, £20 for 8. 16k
Dynamic 200 NS, £5 for 8.
Golfball typewriter/RS232
terminal (with
documentation), £135. Tel:
01-451 0520.
• SIRIUS 1,128k, 1.2Mb
floppy disks, plus MT80
printer, CPM 86, MS-DOS,
Async, SuperCalc, WordStar,
leads, £1,000. Tel: 01-788
3583.
• MZ-80A 48k. Integral
monitor and cassette,
Centronics interface card,
Basic interpreter, compiler,
toolkit, assembler, Pascal,
Reportwriter, games, books,
manuals, £250 ono. Seikosha
GP100A printer, £125. Tel:
01-346 1527 (eves).
• FOR SALE Apple 11+ Copy,
Disk II, RAM card, CP/M
Comcard, monitor, Pascal,
mags, etc, £480 ono. May
split, also semiworking 80-
col card, £20. Tel:
Farnborough (0252)549481
(eves)
• ZX SPECTRUM 48k, Cover,
interface, 2 microdrives, 5
cartridges, Hisoft Pascal,
Valhalla, 2 books, £180. Tel:
(0454)612487.
• ORIC-1 48k. In very good
condition, boxed with
manual, back issues of Oric
Owner magazine, tapes,
book, £75. Computer
compatible cassette recorder
(used with above), £15. Tel:
Harrogate (0423) 863726.
• BBC Band DFS and 800k
disk drive, Kaga KP810 and
Wordwise Plus and 6500-
worth of software, disks,
books, magazines, joysticks,
etc. Worth £1,500, only £850
ono. Tel: Jonathan on (0992)
57805 (after 4pm).
• NEW Hewlett-Packard 110
portable. Totaly unused,
£2,500 ono. Tel:
Southampton 223607, (Ron,
Flat 12, after 6pm).
• CP/M add-on for Atari
computers, Z80, Serial
parallel I/Os, built-in power
supply fully encased,
complete with CP/M MyDos
plus many CP M programs.
Brand new, £250. Tel: Luton
(0582) 32752.
• COMMODORE CBM 2001.
Small keyboard, integral
cassette, new ROMs, 64k
memory board, sound box,
£175 ono. Petchess disk and
manual, runs on any CBM
machine including 8000
series. Tel: Cannock4835.
• SHARP MZ80A. Vgc.
Expansion unit. Sharp P6
printer, 6 languages, 160
programs, manuals, £450.
Tel: Sunbury 86490 (eves).
• WANG PC with 10
megabyte internal hard disk.
Epson FX100 15in printer.
Lots of software,
wordprocessing, database,
business graphics. Multiplan,
Asynchronous
Communications, Basic. Tel:
01-672 1255 ext 5104 (day).
• VIDEO GENIE EG3003,
with lowercase mod, £50.
Green screen monitor
EG101, £30. Centronics
interface EG3016, £20.
Scripsit word processor, £25.
Tel: Hatfield (07072) 61397.
• MICROVITEC CUB 653,
£249. QL Centronics
interface, £29. Typing course,
£12. Eleven microcartridges
with Transform Box, £14, etc.
Two months new! Tel: 01-
407 8989 ext 2383 (day), 01-
289 1404 (eves) Swee Lip.
• COMMODORE 8k PETS (2)
2001 series, small keyboard,
cassette and monitor, old
ROM or new. Books include
Pet Revealed and Graphics,
Raeto West, etc. Offers? Will
separate. Tel: Worthing
(0903) 203358.
• TANDY/GENIE Basic and
m/c books. Worth £90, sell
£40. Video Genie sound box,
lowercase, matching vdu,
Jupiter Ace 16k RAMpack
plus £300 software, all £120.
Tel: Wakefield 252228 (eves).
• COMMODORE PET 32k,
12in screen, full size querty
keyboard, Basic 4.0,
complete with manual. Only
£170, or nearest offer. Tel:
Bradford (0274)637972.
• CBM 700. 128k RAM,
RS232C IEEE user ports. With
monitor or without. All leads
and manuals included. For
details call Coventry 461627
(after 4pm).
• COMMODORE 4032, 8050
disk drive, Epson MX80F/T,
wordprocessor and
spreadsheet programs.
Offers around £995. Ex-VAT.
Tel: (0206) 564832 (day),
45667 (eves). Buyer collects.
• ACT SIRIUS. 1.2 meg,
boxed, Pegasus Accounts (4
modules), DBase II, hardware
manual, £2,495. Ex-VAT. Tel:
(0206) 564832< day), 45667
(eves).
• EPSON HX-20. Expansion
unit, no manuals or charger.
Good condition, offers over
£200. Brand new Amstrad
CPC464 (colou"), software
worth £60, database,
spreadsheet, games, £300
ono. Tel: Leon on 01-881
3435 (day or eve).
• SHARP MZ80K. 48k,
several Basics,
wordprocessor, spreadsheet,
database, and some games.
Hardly used. Excellent
condition. Dust cover, £225.
Tel: (0892)27322.
• CBM 4032 PET. Complete
with monitor, cassette deck
and full manual, plus
Strathclyde Basic course.
£300 ono. Tel: 073687)500.
• APRICOT PC 256k, 2x720k
drives, 9in monitor.
SuperPlanner, SuperWriter,
SuperCalc, File'N'Find,
database. Purchased October
1984, still under guarantee.
Offers around £1,325. Tel:
(0506)412162.
• SANYO MBC555. Dual
160k drives, Hantarex
monitor. 12 months June.
Unused 1985, original
software, manuals.
Everything in mint condition,
£800 ono. Tel: Barnsley
(0226)711316, K. Hirst, 2
Woodland Villas,
Grimethorpe, Barnsley, Sth
Yorks.
TRANSACTION FILE ADVERTISEMENT FORM
All Transaction File ads must be submitted by readers on this form or a photocopy of this form. Maximum 30 words. Print one word per box, very
clearly. Name, address and/or telephone number must be included in the 30 words. All ads must be accompanied by a flat fee of £2.50. Make cheques or
POs payable to Personal Computer World. Ads accepted from private readers only. Ads cannot be repeated (unless sent in on another form) and we
cannot guarantee to print an ad in any specific issue. Please help our typesetter to help you by printing your ad very clearly. Send your completed form
to: Transaction File, PCW, 32-34 Broadwick Street, London W1A 2HG.
Please find enclosed my cheque/PO for £2.50 for the following Transaction File ad.
222 PCW AUGUST 1985
Epson's new
'15 - seconds - to - draft
an-A4-page'
printer at 200 cps.
TRANSACTION FILE
SUPERBRAIN II
V QD. 64k
. RAM, RS232C,
software and
^^manuals for CP/M,
r SuperCalc, WordStar,
SuperSort, DataStar,
CBasic and WordMaster,
£300. Tel: Boyce on 01-644
3546
• CANON P115GA. 132 col
printer, parallel interface, 160
CPS. Hardly used (original
ribbon), £300 inc. Tel:
Hogarth Watford (0923)
31289.
• APRICOT 256k computer, 2
x 720k drives. 12 in monitor
and stand. Canon PW1156A
15in printer. Sage, Accounts,
Payroll, Superwriter,
Supercalc, Superplanner
software, 20 spare disks.
Cost over £3500. Unused in
boxes, £2,950. Tel: 01-886
3268 (London).
• OSBORNE 1 required. 52
column, double density
version. Tel: Dave on
Aberdeen(0224)724291.
• PROGRAM SET — version
1.00. Perfect Writer, Speller,
Calc, Filer for IBM-PC.
Unused. What offers? Also
latest IBM-PC version Flight
Simulator. Cost £55, accept
£30. No offers! Tel: Sid on
0438-736030.
• IBM PC: Basic compiler
£160 —list £280, APL
program £110 — list £190,
8087/8088 diagnostics £145
— list £246, Basic program
development system £70 —
list £120; no VAT! Tel:
Hayling Island (0705) 468778.
• SINCLAIR QL, including all
leads, user guide latest issue,
software and microdrive
cassettes, plus QL14 colour
monitor, £395. Will split. QL
£260, monitor £135. Tel:
Abergele 0745 823101.
• COMMODORE 64120.
Toshiba HX10 MSX, £190.
Both new and boxed. Tel:
01-952 0687.
• FOR SALE. COMMODORE
MPS801 printer. Brand new,
never used. Unwanted gift,
bargain at £175. Will post.
Tel: (0427)873-832
(anytime).
• IBM PC Compatible
business computer.
Complete with monitor and
printer. Twin disk drives,
large memory, manuals and
all cables. Some software
included, £1,595. Tel: (028
373) 3574.
• APPLE II Europlus 48k.
Monitor, 2 disk drives,
paddles, 80 column, colour,
language, Centronics cards,
Pascal, Logo, format 80,
utilities, Applewriter I, Bit
Copier, Books, £750 ono. Tel:
(0304)830790.
• IBM-PC Bits Multiplan, £70
— cost £140. Easywriter, £60
— cost £150. Basic compiler,
£100 — cost £240. Math
coprocessor, £100 — cost
£215. APL, £90 —cost £175.
Tel: Bob on (0705) 523859
(after 6pm).
• TORCH-BBC monitor,
Perfect software, MBasic,
BBC Basic Z80, DBase 2,
Wordwise, Micronet, roms.
Modem, mint condition,
£1,100 ono. Tandy 3 48k dual
drives, RS232,
wordprocessor, mailer,
database, Newdos-80, disc
games (50+), £450. Tel:
(07072)65466.
• SEIKOSHA GRAPHIC
PRINTER. —GP100A —for
sale. Picture and graph
output capabilities, input/
output connector for
Osborne/BBC. Excellent
condition, £75. Tel: 01-789
2922 (eves and weekends).
• GEMINI BOARDS: GM813
cpu/RAM, £150, GM812 IVC,
£100. GM829 FDC, £90. 8in
drives, £100 each; or above
as working system with cp/
m, £450. Tel: (0689) 32344
(after 7pm).
• BBC: nine cassettes
(games, utilities, music etc),
nine books (programming,
listings etc). All unused.
Retail £150 approx, will
accept £70 ono. 7 copies
84/85 Acorn User included
free. Tel: Bennett on
Newmarket 720619.
• WANTED. SHARP MZ700
floppy disc l/F and disc Basic,
RS232 or Centronics l/F,
software and compilers. Tel:
(0604) 830399 (eves/
weekends).
• APPLE II Green Screen
Monitor. New and unused, in
packing, with warranty card,
£85. Beebug mags, vols 1-2
(20 issues) in binders. Cost
£27, accept £12. Tel: 01-444
6244 (eves, N.London).
• EPSON QX-10 plus Epson
FX80 printer, barely used.
192k RAM, 2 x 320k floppies.
Complete system including
manuals and Peachtree
software, £1,700 ono. Tel:
01-337 5663 (after 6pm).
• TWO SINGLE SIDED
Micropolis 96tpi drives and
two double sided 48tpi disk
drives, each £35, in good
working order. Tel: Douglas
on Letchworth 79663 (eves
only).
• COMMODORE 64 PLUS
Datassette, plus software
including 20 games. Boxed
as new, £150. Also Mikro 64
cartridge, £45. Microvitec
colour monitor, 6 months
old, £195. Tel: 01-876 7250
(after 6pm).
• NOVEX hi-res, ambertube
monitor. Boxed, hardly used,
£74. Also Brother EP22
typewriter/printer A/C
adaptor, roll thermal paper,
boxed, mint, £74. Tel: Haydn-
Davies on Nottingham
203564.
• WANTED. Assembler
program on cassette for
Newbrain. Write, 74A
Felpham Road, Felpham,
Bognor Regis, West Sussex
or Tel: (0243)865264
(weekdays before 5pm).
• APRICOT 2 x 315k drives, .
Supercalc, Superwriter, etc.
Plus Epson FX80 printer,
other software, spare disks,
all as new, £1,800. Tel:
Fareham (0329) 221970.
• SIRIUS WANTED! Any
model will do but must be in
good working order. (Could
offer FI Apricot in part
exchange). Tel: Linda on
(0908)310737(days) or
318270 (eves).
• 'HALF PRICE' BBC B. Over
500 cassette programs and
original supporting manuals
etc. Acoustic Coupler, Thorn
EMI 2000, Micronet in ROM,
VS IV cassette and disc.
Software/ROMS: Wordwise
Plus, Addcomm, G.Dump.
Tel: (0278) 684116.
• BBC B OS1.2 Watford DFS,
Cumana CS100 disk drive,
Microvitec, RGB colour
monitor. All manuals
including Advanced User
Guide. Immaculate
condition, £600. Tel:
Sevenoaks(0732)453744.
• WANTED. Software for
Sirius 1, anything considered
especially Basic compiler.
Also any books on the
operating system software.
Tel: Mr Ward on Bradford
(0274)590824(day)or
567570 (eves).
• ADVANCE 86a with 128k.
Good working order plus
cassette recorder and leads.
8086 programming book
(IBM comp), £195. Tel: Dave
on Stevenage (0438)356404.
• Tl PROGRAMMABLE 59
CALCULATOR. Program
storage up to 960
instructions, reads and
writes magnetic cards,
reciprocal keys, powers and
roots, logarithms, angular
mode keys and trigonometric
keys. Including charger and
personal programming
manual, £25. Tel: Bordon,
Hants (04203)7194.
• BBC MODEL B.OS1.2 with
Cumana 100k single disk
drive. Also Phillips cassette
recorder and lots and lots of
software on tape and disk,
£400. Tel: Barry on (0446)
743534 (after 5pm).
• SHARP MZ-80k. 48k
integral display and cassette,
with Basic Plus, manuals,
dust cover. Perfect condition,
£89. Tel: Bolton (0204) 45246.
• APPLE II + . All peripheral
cards (80-col, CP/M, PAL etc),
monitor, two brand new
drives, sixty disks of
software, Wordstar, Visicalc,
Supercalc, Pascal, tools,
games, etc. Manuals, £970.
Tel: 01-527 3294 (eves).
• HITACHI COLOR PC. MS-
Dos, Microsoft, Cobol.
Wordstar Professional,
Calcmaster, Nucleus, plus
other software books. All
manuals, cables etc, still
warranted, £1,595 ono. For
details tel: Caterham (0883)
47320 (eves).
• BBC MODEL B. Kaga green
screen with Torch Z80 disk
drives plus Perfect software
and manuals. Wordwise
ROM, Prism modem, plus
ROM, £600 ono. Tel: Chris
Clinch on Chichester (0243)
789915.
MICROCHESS
Good guys versus the bad guys — Kevin OVormell referees.
Intelligent Software, includes chess
programs among its range. Much time
is spent testing them against other
chess programs. Some of those test
games deserve to see the light of day.
Here is one of them that was played at
'blitz' speed — approximately five
seconds per move for each program. I
leave you to guess which program was
written by Intelligent Software.
White: the Bad Guys' Program. Black:
the Good Guys' Program. Opening:
King's Indian Defence.
1
d2-d4
Ng8-f6
2
c2-c4
g7-g6
3
Nb1-c3
Bf8-g7
4
e2-e4
d7-d6
5
f2-f3
0-0
6
Bc1-e3
c7-c6
7
g2-g4
(The 'Bayonet Attack', so-called be¬
cause the thrust of the g-pawn, often
backed up by the forward march of the
h pawn, frequently proves fatal to
Black.)
7 ... e7-e5
(The most sensible answer to a flank
attack is a central counter.)
8 d4xe5?!
(IfWhite isseriousaboutattacking on
the king-side, then he should aim to
keep the centre closed by playing 8
d4-d5. Flank attacks rarely prove suc¬
cessful if the defender can counter¬
attack in the centre.)
8 ... d6xe5
9 Be3-c5?
(This is a completely wasted move,
merely forcing Black's rookto move to a
more central location.)
9 ... Rf8-e8
10 g4-g5 Nf6-d7
11 Bc5-e3 Qd8-e7
(Nicely judged. Black is now way
ahead in development and has the
more secure pawn structure.)
12 Qd1-a4
(Another irrelevancy, which further
helps Black's development.)
12 ... Nd7-c5
(Gaining still more time.)
13 Qa4-a3 Nb8-a6
14 O-O-O?!
(White should only castle on the
queen-side if his king-side attack is
reallygoing somewhere, which itisnot,
but he has already burnt his bridges.)
14 ... Bc8-e6
Burning bridges
15 b2-b4?
(Asking for even more trouble. Black
has completed his development and
has his king in safety so now White, with
few pieces developed and his king
comparatively in the open, decides to
open up the game still more ... oh dear!)
15 ... Nc5-d7
16 c4-c5 Na6-c7!
(Very nicely played.)
224 PCW AUGUST 1985
Epson's new
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MICROCHESS
Bf1-e2
Qa3-b2
r (Black continues to
r progress.)
19 Kcl-bl
20 Be2-d3
a7-a6
Nc7-b5
make steady
Nb5-d4
a6-a5!
Opening up the attack
(Definitively opening up the queen-
side and lines of attack against the white
king.)
21 Nc3-a4 a5xb4
22 Qb2xb4 b7-b5!
(Winning a pawn, White's 'defences'
in front of his king now disintegrate.)
23
Na4-c3
Nd7xc5
34
f3-f4
Ra8-a5
24
Qb4-b2
Nc5xd3
35
e4-e5
Rd8-a8
25
Rd1xd3
b5-b4
36
Kc2-b2
Qf1-g2
26
Be3xd4
e5xd4
37
Kb2-b1
Qg2-g4
(26..
. b4xc3 also wins comfortably.)
38
Qc4-d5
Bg7-h6
27
Nc3-e2
Be6-c4
A touch of steel
(Who has the bayonet now?)
28 Qb2-c2
(If the rook moves, then 28... d4-d3.)
28 ... Bc4xd3
29 Qc2xd3 Qe7xg5
(So much for the 'cold steel' of this
Bayonet Attack.)
30
31
32
33
h2-h4
Rh1-h3
Qd3-c4
Kb1-c2
Qg5-g2
c6-c5
Qg2-f1 +
Re8-d8
(Threatening 34 ... d4-d3 + .)
(Forcing the gain of further material.)
39
Rh3-f3
Qg4xh4
40
Rf3-h3
Qh4-e1 +
41
Kb1-b2
Qe1-d2 +
42
Kb2-b1
Ra5xa2
(White is
dead, now it
is merely a
matter of playing on for as many moves
as possible.!
43
I
Qd5xa8+
Ra2xa8
44
Rh3xh6
d4-d3
45
Ne2-d4
Just a formality
45 ... Qd2-e1 +!
(Black does not need any more
material. The name of the game now is
mate.)
46 Kb1-b2 Qel-al +
47 Kb2-b3 Qa1-a2mate
(Hooray for the good guys.)
NUMBERS COUNT
M/7ce Mudge presents a triad ofnumbey curiosities.
The following triad of number curiosi¬
ties provides an opportunity for the
computer user to explore untrodden
paths. Requiring only a knowledge of
simple arithmetic operations, the abil¬
ity to recognise certain patterns among
the digits of an integer and a certain
enthusiasm; it is hoped thatthis choice
will appeal equally to the new reader
and to the regular correspondent.
1) Powers of ten may sometimes be
factorised in manner that contains no
zeros. For example:
10 2 = 4 x 25
10 3 = 8 x 125
10 33 = 8589934592 x
116415321826934814453125
Which powers of ten can be so
factorised?
2) It can be proved that powers of two
exist which contain arbitrarily long
sequences of zeros. For example:
2 10 = 1024
2 53 = 9007199254740992
The first string of eight zeros is found
in 2 14007 and starts at the 729th decimal
digit reading from right to left.
Which arethesmallest powers oftwo
containing a string of zeros of a given
length? Where does that string occur?
Do similar results occur when the zero is
replaced by another integer?
3) It can be proved that when a two
digit decimal integer is multiplied by its
'reverse' the result is never a perfect
square, unless trivially the integer is
palindromic (that is equal to its 're¬
verse'.) This does not extend to num¬
bers of more than two digits for
example:
169 x 961 = 162409 = 403 2
1089 x 9801 = 10673289 = 3267 2
These examples may lead to the
conjecturethatthe product of a number
and its 'reverse' (assumed now to be
distinct) is only a square when both the
number and its 'reverse' are perfect
squares. Isthistrue? When arecubesor
higher powers produced by multiplica¬
tion of a number by its 'reverse'?
Readers are invited to submit their
thoughts (preferably accompanied by
computer related material!) relating to
this triad of problems to Mike Mudge,
'Square Acre', Stourbridge Road, Penn,
Nr Wolverhampton, Staffordshire WV4
5NF.Tel: (0902)892141. Asuitableprize
will be awarded to the 'best' entry
received by 1 November 1985. Criteria
will include accuracy, originality and
efficiency, not necessarily in that order.
Please note that submissions can
only be returned if a suitable stamped
addressed envelope is included. Ex¬
panded reviews of previous problems,
togetherwith, subject to the approval of
the contributor, copies of detailed
programmes from the prize winning
entry may also be requested.
February winner
This problem produced a record re¬
sponse. I have many tables of palindro¬
mic primes and n th powers both base 10
and numerous other bases; enquiries
for particular sets of data would be
welcomeand all programmers suitably
acknowledged. The mystery of the
palindrome attempt function applied to
196 has remained unsolved
Additionally much empirical evi¬
dence on palindromic geometrical
numbers has been produced and very
220 PCW AUGUST 1985
Epson's new
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I EPSON LQ-5QO
NUMBERS COUNT 1
w/
efficient routines in languages,
and on machinesfartoonumerous
to mention.
$ The prize winner, after a great deal of
thought is A A S Randall, Lowestoft,
Suffolk for his work on a Dragon 32
using both Basic and machine code
written and run using DASM/DEMON
assembler and monitor from Com-
pusense Ltd.
Steve concentrated his efforts on
squares, cubes, fourth powers, penta-
gonal numbers and of course the
palindrome attempt function all in a
rangeof number bases; leaving primes
out of his study but presenting a
well-documented and efficient set of
results and programs.
1
IISURE LINES
Quickie
If 1 spend 25 percent of the pounds in my
wallet, and give away three-quarters of
the rest, I'll have £6 left. How many
pounds have 1 got?
Prize Puzzle
A bit easier than usual — but you will
need your micros for it. What number
when divided by 11 and multiplied by 13
gives the original number in reverse?
Answers on postcards only (or backs of
Brain-teasers from J J Clessa
envelopes) to PCWPrize Puzzle, August
85 Leisure Lines, 32-34 Broadwick
Street, London W1A 2HG. Entries to
arrive not laterthan 30 September 1985.
May Prize Puzzle
This one must have been a bit harder
than usual, since only about 110 entries
were received. One reader said he gave
up on his own PC and used the larger
machine at work.
At the time of setting the problem 1
only had one solution — 5671 which
splits into 2701, 1485, and 1485. As
many of you pointed out, 5886 is also a
solution — forming 1596, 2145 and
2145.
Both of these solutions can be
deemed to be 'well over 5000 birds . .
and therefore 1 accepted either for prize
eligibility (the next solution was in
excess of 12000 so was disqualified).
The winning entry came from
Andrew Norris of Bridgwater, Somer¬
set. Congratulations Andrew, your
prize is forthcoming.
DIARY DATA 1
Readers are strongly advised to check details with exhibition
organisers before making arrangements, in order to avoid wasted journeys due
to cancellations, printer's errors, and so on.
London
(Barbican), Acorn User Show. Contact: Computer Marketplace Exbns Ltd,
(01) 930 1612
25-28 July
London
(Olympia), Personal Computer World Show. Contact: Montbuild Ltd, (01) 486 1951
4-8 Sept
Esher
(Sandown Exbn Centre), Computers in Education Exbn — Teach Computer. Contact:
TCM Expositions Ltd, (0428) 724 660
12-14 Sept
Manchester
(Belle Vue), Information Technology + Office Automation Exbn — Info North.
Contact: BED Exbns, (01) 647 1001
17-19 Sept
Cardiff
(Nat Sports Centre), Technology Wales Exbn, Contact: Future Exbns Ltd,
(0222) 490 355
18-20 Sept
i_
WRITING FOR PCW
You^chance^ to contribute to the magazme.
We're offering readers a chance to get
rich (well, at least richer) and to
influence what's published in the
magazine — by writing for it. We
welcome approaches from would-be
writers, including those who have
never appeared in print before. It's
often users with practical experience
who have the most interesting things to
say, so don't worry if your prose is less
than perfect, we can take care of the
polishing.
If you have an idea for a feature write,
with a brief synopsis, outlining the
proposed structure and content. If your
article is already written, then send it in
for consideration. Remember to put
your name and address on both the
covering letter and the manuscript —
along with a daytime phone number if
possible. Manuscripts should be typed
or printed out (dot matrix output is fine).
in double-line spacing with ample
margins top and bottom and on each
side.
Any accompanying program listings
should be supplied on disk or cassette,
ideally with a printout as well. We'll try
to return all submissions sent in with a
suitable sae, but make sure you keep a
copy of everything you submit as well
for reference.
Bear in mind that it's worth taking a
228 PCW AUGUST 1985
Epson's now
adhesive label
printer
Epson's now
adhesive label
printer
Epson's new
*
WRITING FOR PCW
look at the Back Issues advert-
^^^^isement to see what sort of things
we have already published — after
f all there's no point in reinventing the
1 wheel. And please be sure to tell us if
you've contacted another magazine
(perish the thought): it would be very
awkward if the same article appeared
elsewhere. Frankly, we're more likely to
accept something which has been
offered exclusively to us.
Finally, we do payfor published work
— the rate is £65 per 1000 words, and
payment usually follows aboutfour-six
weeks after publication.
ACC NEWS
Rupert Steele rounds up the clubs in the West.
The ACC (Association of Computer
Clubs) is a non-profit organisation run
by and for the computer clubs, which
provides a way for computer clubs to
make contact, and where practical to
gain from joint schemes. The ACC is
governed by a council consisting of
representatives of all the affiliated
clubs, although day-to-day matters are
delegated to a committee. The ACC
aims to be a truly national organisation,
and its committee is drawn from
around the country.
The most successful schemes to date
have been the insurance policies. If you
want to insure anything unusual (like a
computer club), you can often pay £10
for the cover and £40 just to have the
policy written out. By combining
almost 200 clubs in a single scheme, the
Association has been able to cut the
cost dramatically. In fact, the public
liability cover is included free for
eligible (nearly all) clubs in the ACC
affiliation fee. Through the ACC, a club
can insure equipment at, or in transit to,
its meetings for as little as £8 a year.
Contact John Bonefor written detailsof
these schemes (see address below).
The ACC also provides two services
to non-members, based on the national
database of computer clubs that it holds
and maintains. It answers a large
number of enquiries from people
wishing to find the address or phone
number of their local computer club, or
of the user group for their machine. The
other service is for companies and
other institutions wishing to mail mate¬
rial to computer clubs; the money
raised from this is used to keep down
the affiliation fee. Write to me for details
of the schemes available (see address
below).
ACC news goes West this month,
starting with Shropshire. William Kitch-
ing writes to tell me of the Telford BBC
User Group. For more information
contact him at 1 Greenacres, Ketley
Bank, Telford TF2 ODU. The Computer
Programmers Club does not appear to
hold meetings, but is a mail based club,
run by John Bee Computer Program¬
mers Club, PO Box 20, Salisbury, SP4
7JD. The idea is that budding software
authors can have their creations mar¬
keted by the club in return for 80 per cent
of the proceeds. If your idea is a real
winner, it's a rotten deal, but if your
program has a 'more selective appeal',
then its a good way to get it publicised
and distributed. Of course, you may join
the club simply to buy the software, the
membership fee is £5 a year.
Moving on to Bristol, we come to a
computer club that glows in the dark,
The Nuclear Sports & Social Club —
Personal Computer Group. The club is
mainly for CEGB employees at Berkeley
Power Station, Oldbury Power Station,
and Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories.
Visitors are, however, welcome at most
meetings, which are held atthe Nuclear
Sports and Social Club, Berkeley. It has
a very full newslettercalled EMU (you'll
have to get a copy to understand the
acronym), which contains lots of useful
technical information and software
reviews. For more information contact
Mr W N Walker, 53 Wolfridge Ride,
Alveston, Bristol, BS12 2PR or call
Thornbury (0454) 414262.
Also in the West isTaunton Computer
Club. I know very little about this apart
from the contact: Christopher Black-
more, 27 Laburnum Street, Taunton,
Somerset, TA1 1LB. Further west, we
come to the Exeter & District Computer
Club, which is open to everyone in¬
terested in computers in the area.
Those who have yet to take the plunge
and invest in a home micro may also
benefit from the club. Contact Robert
James of 13 Colleton Hill, Exeter,
Devon, EX2 4AS or call him on (0392)
215134.
Heading on, we reach the Plymouth
Micro club. I don't have a lot of data
about this one, but the secretary is Dr
Rory O'Neill of 48 Widewell Road,
Roborough, Plymouth, PL6 7DW — or
you can call (0752)772484.
And that leaves two national/postal
groups that are based in Cornwall. Paul
Hills runs the 6809 User Group, and is a
frequent correspondent. The group is
hardware/software engineering based,
with emphasis on the 6809 micro¬
computer chip; members get a quick
reference card with all the 6809
assembler code instructions. Paul has
asked me to point out that the mem¬
bership fee has gone down; each issue
of the mag is now 50p, with a year's
membership being £3 (you can also get
half-year membershipfor£1.50). Paul's
address is 28 Woburn Road, Launces¬
ton, Cornwall PL15 7HH.
The other national group based in
Cornwall is The Cuthbert Club, run by
John Symes, of Microdeal Limited, 41
Truro Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25
5JE. It is aimed at users of the Dragon
micro, and it is offering free enrolment
for any Dragon owner who has sent
money to another so-called Dragon
User Group, and received nothing. You
get a free badge among the usual
goodies.
Finally, three clubs from the Oxford
area have written to me. An old
favourite is the Oxford Personal Com-
puterClub (OPeCC), which caters for all
computer enthusiasts in the Oxford
area. Meetings are held twice a month
at the Donnington Community Centre,
nearTownsend Square, Oxford. Every¬
one is welcome at the meetings. For
more information, contact the treasur¬
er, Sebastian Linfoot, Flat 10, Pembroke
Court, Rectory Road, Oxford OX4 1 BY.
Also in Oxford is Oxon Tl Users group
for owners of Texas Instrument 99/4
and 99/4A home computers in Oxford¬
shire. There is a monthly newsletter
called Tl-Lines. The magazine contains
information on all aspects of Tl compu¬
ters, with some more general comput¬
ing information. A special feature is
that, taking advantage of the 'speaking
teletype' facilities available on some
Texas models, a version of the newslet¬
ter, read onto audio tape, is available for
blind or partially sighted Tl owners.
Contact: Peter Brooks, 29 Kestrel Cres¬
cent, Blackbird Leys, Oxford 0X4 5DY.
And for the staff of Alex Lawrie
Factors Limited, there isthe Alex Lawrie
Personal Computer Society. It has been
running for about six months and has
spent early days 'ploughing through'
Basic programming.
For more information contact Robin
Peers at Alex Lawrie, Beaumont Road,
Banbury, Oxon OX167RN or call (0295)
67788.
For more information, write as follows:
(fora mention in this column , to notify
the ACC of a new or existing club, or to
obtain club address labels): Rupert
Steele, 12 Phil beach Gardens, London
SW59DY. (Any other enquiry, including
the address of your local club): John
Bone, ACC Chairman, 2 Claremont
Place, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE9
1 TL or call 091 -477 0036. E2D
230 PCW AUGUST 1985
If you haven't guessed by now,
Epson's new printer is the
LQ 1500. It's everything in one
And this is the coupon to
send off for details.
□r tel: EPSON EREEPHONE
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PCW 8 85
To: Epson (UX.) Ltd.,
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Options: single or double sheet feeder, tractor, parallel and serial 2K or32K, IEEE 2K.
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JUKI 6100 DAISYWHEEL.£372.60
EPSON LX80 NLQ (new).£286.35
EPSON FX80.£395.00
EPSON RX80T.£232.30
DISK DRIVES
CUMANA CSX200D DS/40T.£121.50
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UDM DDFS when bought with any disk drive.£90.00
UDM DDFS only.£105.00
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Overseas enquiries welcome
256 COLOURS FOR YOUR BBC MICRO!!
The Colour Kxpandcr replaces tlie eight boring colours on the BBC micro
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The Colour I'.xpandcr is .1 unique device which will open up a whole new
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complete with a cassette of demonstration and utility programs. The
Colour Lxpander costs only £85 + (VAT + I’&P) - £99.75. Also
available as a module for ()F\1 & scientific use
5-INCII PORTABLE MONITOR
Hie immensely popular Hiltcc TMC1R portable monitor with 5"
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A high quality PAL encoder module superbly designed bv Hiltcc This
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PROGRAM FILE
Owen Linderholm selects tiw best qfjeader^s programs .
For details ort submitting^ your own, see t he en d of
this section.
To mark my debut as the person in
chargeof programs, andto accompany
PCW's latest Teach Yourself series, I
have chosen a couple of programs on
the Logo theme. BBC Turtle Graphic is a
program that gives you all the turtle
graphics facilities of Logo, including
programming, and has a shape-filling
routine that is one of the best I've seen.
The other prog ram is a data base written
in Logo for the Spectrum, but is easy to
convert to run on other machines.
On a more light-hearted note, there is
a two-player QL memory game called
Memoire that includes smooth-scroll¬
ing graphics, and Spectrum games
players can try Nighthawk, a simulation
of a combat helicopter that includes
instrument and horizon displays.
For the BBC, there is a comprehen¬
sive version of Patience and also a
program that gives you an extra 28
colours in mode 2 by mixing the
standard colours. For the Commodore
64, there is a game called Nest of Evil
that includes a utility to allow you to
move control sprites easily and
smoothly from Basic. For the MSX
rangeof machines,there isa 'platform-
and-ladders'game which featu res Chas
and some poisonous spiders.
Games
Scientific/mathematic
Business
Toolkit/utilities
Educational/Computer
Aided Learning
F
F
r
r
ip
Program of the Month
BBC Turtle Graphic
by Christopher Rowett
If you've ever wanted to try turtle
graphics but haven't been able to afford
to buy a new language, then this
program is the answer. It works on
disk-based systems, butcan beadapted
for cassette by changing references to
DFS commands such as OSCLI 'DIR$' in
line 10, and by removing line 70 of the
loader.
To type in and save the program:
1 Type in the first program and save
it as TURTLE.
2 Type in the main program, exactly
as shown and without extra spaces or
there will not be enough room. Save it
as TURTLE1.
3 Type in and run the third program.
It will save a file called DATA.
4 To enter the machine code data,
type in the fourth program and save it
separately.
5 Run this program to enter the data
for FILL, DUMP, and VARCODE. Select
option one (enter code).
6 Enter the hex start address (&900
for DUMP and VARCODE, &A00 for
FILL).
7 Type in the first block of machine
code data, byte by byte, typing XX to
return to the menu when finished.
8 Select option three (save code),
giving the filename FILL, DUMP or
VARCODE, depending on which one
you have been typing in.
9 To check the code, select option
two from the menu.
10 Type in the hex start address.
11 The location and byte will be
displayed. Hit any key to go on to the
next location, or correct mistakes by
typing X (to return to the menu), and
then select option one and give the
location of the mistake as the start
address, correcting the byte and return-
232 PCW AUGUST 985
PROGRAM FILE
ing to the menu. Save the corrected
version as before.
12 Repeat steps six to eight for the
other blocks of machine code data. The
three are called FILL, DUMP and VAR-
CODE respectively.
13 Now all you should need to do is
run TURTLE.
The program supports all the turtle
graphicscommandsgiven in Logo,and
a list of these and their syntax can be
obtained by typing HELP when the
program has been run.
Variables must be single-letter lower¬
case letters, and everything else must
be upper-case. Basic functions may be
used in expressions, as may variables.
There should be a space between
commands and their arguments, other¬
wise an error will be reported: FOR¬
WARD 50 is valid, but FORWARD50 is
not. Recursion is supported, but not
very far due to problems with the lack of
space. Up to 10 nested repeats are
allowed. When entering procedures,
the editing commands are given by
typing HELP.
Here is a sample program:
TO SQUARE n
REPEAT 4
FORWARD n
RIGHT 90
ENDREPEAT
END
This draws a square of size n when
SQUARE n is typed.
10 MODE7:VDU23;8202;O;o;O;
20 FORA7.=9TO 16: PR I NTTAB (35, A7.) CHR* 156; TAB (3, A7.) CHR* 132CHR* 157 ; : NE X T
30 PRINTTAB(10,10)CHR*141;"TURTLE GRAPHICS"TAB(10,11)CHRS141;"TURTLE GRAPHICS
40 PRINTTAB(5,15)"(C) 1985 Christopher Rowett"
50 PROCkeys
60 PRINT T AB(14,13)" LOADING"
70 PAGE=&1300
80 CHAIN"lURTLEl"
90 DEFPROCkeys:*FX18
1OO RESTORE: F0RA7.=0T09: READA*: OSCLI "KEY " +STR*A7.+A* -.NEXT: ENDPROC
110 DATA"FORWARD ","BACK ","LEFT ","RIGHT ","REPEAT ","ENDREPEAT ","PENUP ","P
ENDOWN ","SH0WTUR1LE ","HIDETURTLE "
lO OSCLI"DIR *":OSCLI"LOAD VARCODE 900":OSCLI“FX21,O"
20 M0DE4:HIMEM=S(5600:m=0
30 ONERRORGOT0220
40 DIMH* (33) ,C*(79) ,K*(33) , At (33) , ql* ( 19) ,b (9) ,c (9) , V(26) , d* ( 19, 79) . 12* (20) , 1
2(20),e2(20)
50 PROCe
60 OSCLI"TOO,1“:OSCLI"FX12,5"
70 REPEAT: F0RA7.=0T079: C* (A7.) =" " : NEXT: PROCf
80 R7.=FALSE:PROCg
90 IFd2 d2=FALSE:G0T080
lOO IFh ANDNOTi PROCh
HO UNTILi
120 M0DE4:HIMEM=&5600:G0T050
130 DEFPROCh:PRINT"Ready.":h =FALSE:ENDPROC
140 DEFPROCe:PROCj:CLS:PRINTTAB(6)"TURTLE GRAPHICS VERSION 1.23":os=TRUE:d2=FA
LSE: p2=0: k=FALSE:l=FALSE:PROC1: PRINT:h=0:n=7: S7.=0: X7.=640: Y7.=576: Z7.=0: T7.=TRUE:P7.=
TRUE: F7.= TRUE: XY7.=FALSE: A7.=&2020A: PROCo: PROCh: ENDPROC
150 DEFPROCf
160 REPEAT:PROCp:UNTILA*<>""
170 12*=A*
180 PROCq(A*>:IFr G0T0160
190 ENDPROC
200 DEFPROCj:VDU26:GCOLO,7:MOVEO,128:DRAWO,1023:DRAW1279,1023:DRAW1279,128:DRA
WO,128:VDU23;24586;0;0;0;28;10015;6172;4;132;1275;1019;:COLOUR131:COLOURO:ENDPRO
C
210 DEFPROC1:X=OPENIN"DATA":F0RAX=0T033:INPUT #X,K*(AX):NEXT:F0RAX=OT033:INPUT#
X,H*(A7.) : NEX1 : FORA7.=OT033: INPUT#X , A* (A7.) : NEXT: CLOSE#X : ENDPROC
220 REPORT:PRINT:G0T070
230 G0T070
240 OSCLI“FX21,0":END
250 DEFPROCq(A$):r=TRUE:IFRIGHT*(A*,1)=" "A*=LEFT*(A*,LENA*-1)
260 IFLEFT*(A*,1)="*"ANDos OSCLIA*:ENDPROC
270 r=FALSE:PROCs(A*):ENDPROC
280 DEFPROCs (At) : LOCAL A7., B7.
290 A7.= INSTR (A*, " " ) : IFA7.=0C* (B7.) =A*: C7.=B7.: ENDPROC
300 C* (B7.) =LEFT* (A*, AX—1 ) : A*=RIGHT* (A*, LENA*-A7.) : B7.=B7.+ 1
310 G0T0290
320 DEFPROCg: A7.=0
330 A*=C* (A7.) :PROCt (A*> : IFNOTt PROCk (A*) : IFNOTk PRINT"Mi stake: ‘; A*: ENDPROC
340 IFk GOTO1650
350 IFb7.A*=a*
360 PROCw(A*)
370 A7.=A7.+1: IFA7.>C7.h=TRUE: ENDPROC
380 G0T0330
390 DEFPROCt (A*) : t =FALSE: LOCALA7.: b7.=FALSE
400 IFA*=K*(A7.)t=TRUE: ENDPROC
410 IFA*=A*(A7.)t = TRUE:b7.=TRUE:a*=K*(A7.) : ENDPROC
420 A7.=A7.+ 1: IFA7.<34G0T0400
430 ENDPROC
440 DEFPROCk (A*) : k=FALSE : L0CALA7.
450 IF A*=q 1 * (A7.) k=T RUE: a7.=A7.: ENDPROC
460 AX=AX+1: IFA7.<20G0T0450
470 ENDPROC
480 DEFPROCv: PRINT" TURTLE GRAPHICS 1.23" : VDU15: LOCALA7., A*: F0RA7.=0T033: PRINTK* (
A7.) ; " " ; H* (A7.) ; : A=GE T : PR I NT: NE X T: ENDPROC
490 DEFPROCw(A*)
500 IFAS="HELP"PROCv
510 IF A*=“CLEARSCREEN"CLG:PROCo
520 IFA*=“FENCE"FX=TRUE
530 IF A*= " WINDOW "F‘/.=F ALSE
540 IF AS="PENUP"PX=FALSE
550 IFA*="PENDOWN"P7.=TRUE
560 IF A*= " SHOWTURTLE " ANDNOTT7.T7.= TRUE : PROCo
570 IFA$= "HI DETURTLE " ANDTXPROCo: T7.=FALSE
580 IFA$= " HOME " PROC>:
590 IFA*="RESET" i = TRUE: A7.=C7.: ENDPROC
600 IFA*="FORWARD"PROCy
610 IFA*="LEFT"PROCz
620 IFAt="R1GHT"PROCa1
630 IFA4="PRINT“PROCb1
640 IFAS="BACK"PROCe1
data buffers
print buffers T-switches
buffered protocol converters
telecommunications buffers
Formats:
IEEE-488 or Centronics parallel,
or V24/RS232c serial, or any
conversion combination.
Buffer sizes:
From 2k to 1 megabyte RAM.
Computers:
IBM PC, Hewlett-Packard, DEC,
Apple, Sirius/Victor, Televideo,
Super Brain, Commodore, BBC,
Tandy, Sharp, Osborne, NEC,
Data-General, etc, etc.
Applications:
Input buffering (data collection,
telecommunications, etc.).
Output buffering (accounts/pay¬
roll printing, plotting, graphics
dumps, assembly listings, word
processing, telecommunications,
etc).
Support:
We are the leading specialist
distributor of UK-designed
buffered interfaces, with a range
of products second to none in
scope, price and reliability.
A»Line
Dataspeed Devices Ltd
MICRO BUFFER DISTRIBUTORS
3 Auburn Road
Laby
Leicester LE8 3DR
S 0533 778724
V___ J
Your KEY to
RECORD ACCESS is
MULTIKEY
BASIC — compiled or interpreted. Includes card index I
demo.
C’ — Microsoft, Desmet, Lattice. Compiled library
routines.
KEYS — Variable length, character string or integer. 1
ACCESS — Full, partial, combinations, sequences of I
keys.
FILES — Multiple index files. Joins data files. I
B-TREE — For indexing, giving power with flexibility. 1
VALUE — £90 + VAT for single user BASIC version. 1
£170 + VAT for multi-use ‘C’ versions.
MORE — Details on our fact sheet. Phone (0786) f
85697 or write to CAIRN ASSOCIATES
LTD, THORNHILL, STIRLING FK8 3PL.
CAIRN A
AUGUST 1985 PC W 233
MICROMART
DISKETTE Prices per box
of 10
1 box
2-4
5-9
10+
3"
MAXELL
DS/DD 96*
40.00
38.00
37.00
36 00
3.5"
SONY
SS/DD 96*
30.00
29.20
28.40
27 60
DS/DD 96*
42.00
40.00
38.80
37.70
5.25"
BASF
SS/SD 48*
13.00
11.81
11 48
11.16
SS/DD 48*
16.00
14 63
14.22
13.81
DS/DD 48*
19.00
17.44
16.95
16 47
SD/DD 96*
20.00
18.56
18.05
17.53
DS/DD 96*
23.00
21 38
20.78
20.19
DS/HD 96*
41 00
37.69
36.64
35.60
5.25"
CENTECH
SS/DD 48
18.29
16 46
16.00
15 54
11 colours
DS/DD 48
24.25
21 83
21.22
20.61
to choose
SS/DD 96
24.25
21.83
21.22
20.61
from
DS/DD 96
32 06
28 86
28.05
27.25
5.25"
CUMANA
DS/DD 96
16.25
14.63
14.22
13.82
5.25"
DYSAN
SS/DD 48*
17.00
16.31
15.86
15.41
DS/DD 48*
25.00
23.85
23.19
22.53
SS/DD 96*
25.00
23.85
23.19
22.53
DS/DD 96*
31.50
30 26
29.42
28.58
5.25"
NASHUA
SS/DD 48*
11.00
10 48
10.19
9.90
SS/DD 48*
12.00
11.20
10.88
10.57
DS/DD 48*
14.00
13.27
12 90
12.53
SS/DD 96*
15.00
13.99
13.61
13.22
DS/DD 96*
16.50
15.38
14 95
14.53
5.25"
SC0TCH-3M
SS/DD 48*
15.00
14.06
13.67
13.28
DS/DD 48*
19 00
17 44
16.95
16.47
SS/DD 96*
22 50
20 81
20.53
19 66
DS/DD 96*
24.00
22.50
21 88
21.25
8” BASF
FROM 12.64
8" NASHUA
FROM 12.86
8" DVSAN
FROM 22.10
8" SC0TCH-3M
FROM 14 34
Symphony
MS-Chart
Hard sector and pre-formatted diskettes also available.
SOFTWARE Available tor:
APRICOT, SIRIUS, MACINTOSH. APPLE (tl.c.e. f .III). ATARI, CBM64, DEC
RAINBOW, IBM (PC,XT,AT). Tl PROF, WANG PC
Framework 325 Multimate 230
Friday 130 SuperCalc 3 205
dBase III (1.1) 335 Jazz (Mac) 375 MS-Word
Lotus 1-2-3 295 Wordstar 2000 295 Open Access 310
Wordstar Prot 255 dBase II (2.43) 240 Delta 4 350
MS-Project 175 dBase II to III 100 TK! Solver (Mac) 145
POSTAGE PER ORDER
DISKS 2-4 Boxes £1, 5-9 Boxes £2, £2.50 per 10 Boxes.
SOFTWARE £100-£500 Add £8, otherwise free delivery.
HARDWARE <£100 Add £5. £100-£500 Add £8, <£500 Add £10
ALL PRICES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF VAT
KINGSLEY ENTERPRISES
Tel: 87 Whitefield Road, Stockton Heath
0925 64207 _Warrington WA4 6NB
Typesetting
from your computer
Our customers have been typesetting
books, magazines, brochures, ads and
database files on their micros. Now they use
TYPENET
The on-line complete typesetting system
operating 24 hours a day, every day.
Why don't you join them and find out
how you can save time and money?
RING 01-658 6942 300 BAUD
or send for your info pack
LONDON, GLC & WEST OTHER AREAS
22 Queens Road 1 The Esplanade
Beckenham, Kent Rochester, Kent
01-658 8754 0634 41878
Telecom Gold 83:BTL00I
Centronics or RS232
serial interfaces for
SHARP MZ 700
also
PRINTERS
and
MODEMS
Send for details:
PETERSON
ELECTRONICS LTD
ACADEMY STREET, FORFAR,
TAYSIDE DD8 2HA
TEL: 0307 62591
PROGRAM RLE
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650 IFA*=”SETPOS“PROCd1
660 IF A*= “ COORD I NAT ES 11 PROCx y
670 IFA*="REPEAT"PRDCe1
680 IF A*= " ENDREPEAT " ANDR7.C (S7.) =c (S7.) -1: IFc <S7.) >0A7.=b (SX) ELSE IF A*= “ENDREPEAT “ A
NDRXSX=SX- 1 : IFS7.< 1R7.=FALSE: S7.=0
690 IFA*="SAVE"PROCf1
700 IF A*="LOAD"PROCg1
710 I FA*="MAKE"PROCh1
720 IFA*="SE1X"PROCi1
730 IFA*="SETY"PROCj1
740 IFA*="SETHEADING"PROCkl
750 IFA*="BACkGROUND"PROCI1
760 IF A*="PENCOLQUR"PROCm1
770 IFA*="PENREVERSE"h=4:n=7
780 IFA*="PENERASE"h=0:n=0
790 1FA*="FILL"PROCnl
800 IFA*=" TO "OSCLI"FX229,1":os=FALSE:PROCto:os=TRUE:OSCLI"FX229,0”
810 IF A*="EDIT"OSCLI"FX229,1":PROCol:OSCLI"FX229,0"
820 IF A*= " END “ ANDp 2 >0 C7.=e2(p2> :A7.=12(p2) : 12*=12*(p2) : PROCq (12*) : 1 2* (p2+1) = " M :
12 (p 2 +l)= 0 :e 2 (p 2 +l)= 0 :p 2 =p 2 -l
830 IFA*="PRINI DUMP"OSCLI"RUN DUMP":OSCLI"LOAD VARCODE 0900"
840 ENDPROC
850 DEFPROCa: XCOR=X7.: YCOR=YX: HEADINB=27.: IFNOTT7.ENDPROC
860 GC0L3,3:MOVEXX+FNx (32, 27.) , Y7.+FNy (32, 27.) : Z7.= Z7.+ 140: IFZ7.>35927.=27.-360
870 MOVEXX+FNx (32, IV.) , Y7.+FNy (32, IV.) : Z7.= ZX+BO: IFZ7.>359Z7.= Z7.-360
880 PLOT85, XX+FNx (32, IV.) , Y7.+FNy (32, Z7.) : Z7.=Z7.+ 140: IFZ7.>359Z7.=Z7.-360
890 GCOLh,n:ENDPROC
900 DEFPROCy: PROCp 1: PROCo: MOVEXX, YX: X7.=X7.+FNx (MX, ZX) : YX=YX+FNy (MX, Z7.) :PROCul:G
COLh, n: IFP7.DRAWX7., YXELSEMOVEXX, Y7.
910 PROCo:PROCrl:ENDPROC
920 DEFPROCp 1: AX=AX+1: IFAX >C7.M7.=0: M=0: M*= " ": ENDPROC
930 LOCALT*: T*=C*(A7.) : U7.=ASC (T*)-96: PROCvars (C* (AX) )
940 M=EVAL(C*(A7.) ) :M*=C*(A7.) :MX=M:C*(AX)=T*:ENDPROC
950 DEFPROCvar s(A*)
960 *&AOO=A*:CALL8<9oO: IF?&70=0C*(AX)=A»:ENDPROC
970 PRUCsl(?&70,A*,?&71-96)
980 G0T0960
990 DEFPROCsl(tl,B*,r):A*=LEFT*(B*,t1-1)+ "V("+STR*(r)+")"+RIGHT*<B*,LENBS-t1):
ENDPROC
lOOO DEF PROCx : PROCo: MOVE XX, Y7.:GCOLh,n: IFP7.DRAW640, 576ELSEM0VE640,576
101O XX=640: YX=576: Z7.=0: PROCo: PROCr 1: ENDPROC
1020 DEFFNx (AX, B7.) =FNvl (A7.*SIN (RAD (BX) ) )
1030 DEFF Ny (A7., B7.) =FNv 1 (A7.*COS (RAD (B7.) ) )
1040 DEFFNvl(A):IFA-INTA>=.5:=INTA+1ELSE=INTA
1050 DEFPROCz : PROCp 1: PROCo: Z7.= ZX-MX: IFZX< 0ZX= Z7.+360
1060 PROCo:ENDPROC
1070 DEFPROCa 1: PROCp 1: PROCo: Z7.= Z7.+MX: IFZX>359Z7.=ZX-360
1080 PROCo:ENDPROC
1090 DEF PROCm 1: PROCp 1 :h=0: n=7: VDU19, 1 , M*/., 0, 0, 0: ENDPROC
11OO DEFPROCb1:PROCp1:PRINTM:ENDPROC
1110 DEFPROCp: B*=" " : LOCALA7.: A7.=FALSE
1120 A*=GET*: IF (A*< " "0RA*>CHR*127) ANDA*< >CHR*13ANDA*< >CHR*21GOTOl 120
1130 IF A*=CHR*21ANDB*=""GOTO1120
1140 IFA*=CHR*21PR0Cwl:GOT01120
1150 IFA*=CHR*13A*=B*:PRINT:ENDPROC
1160 IFA*=CHR*127ANDB*=""G0T01120
1170 IFA*=CHR*127C*=RIGHT*(B*, 1) :B*=LEFT*(B*,LENB*-1) :PRINTCHR*127; :G0T01220
1180 IFA*=" "AND(B*=“"ORAX)GOTOl120
1190 IFA*=" "AX= TRUE ELSEA7.=FALSE
1200 IFLENB*>158VDU7:GOTOl120
*1210 B*=B*+A*:PRINTA*; : GOTOl 120
1220 IFC*=" "AX=FALSE
1230 GOTOl120
1240 DEFPROCcl : PROCp 1 : PROCo: MOVEXX, YX: X7.=XX-FNx (MX, ZX) : YX=Y7.-FNy (MX, ZX) : GCOLh, n
: IFPXDRAWX7., YXELSEMOVEXX, YX
1250 PROCo:PROCrl:ENDPROC
1260 DEFPROCdl : PROCo: MOVEXX, YX: GCOLh, n: PROCp 1 : X7.=MX: PROCp 1: YX=MX: IFP7.DRAWX7., Y7.E
LSEMOVEXX,YX
1270 DEF PROCi 1 : PROCo: MOVEXX, YX: GCOLh, n : PROCp 1: XX=MX: IFP7.DRAWXX, YXELSEMOVEXX, YX
1280 PROCo:PROCrl:ENDPROC
1290 DEFPROCj1:PROCo:MOVEXX,YX:GCOLh,n:PROCp 1 :YX=MX:IFPXDRAWXX,YXELSEMOVEXX,YX
1300 DEFPROCk 1: PROCo: F-ROCp 1: ZX=MX: PROCo: ENDPROC
1310 PROCo:PROCrl:ENDPROC
1320 PROCo:PROCr1:ENDPROC
1330 DEFPROCx y : PF(OCp 1: X YX=MX: ENDPROC
1340 DEFPROCrl: IF X YXAX=*« 10 :PRINT"X = "; XX, "Y=“ ; YX: AX=&2G20A
1350 ENDPROC
1360 DEFPROCwl : LOCALBX, CX: CX=FALSE: B7.=LENB*: IFRIGHl * (B* , 1 ) =" "B*=LEFT*(B* LENB*
-1):PR1NTCHR*127;:IFB*=""AX=FALSE:ENDPROC
1370 IFRIGHT*(B*,1)<>" "ANDB*<>""B*=LEFT*(B*,LENB*-1):PRINTCHR*127;:G0T01370
1380 AX= TRUE:ENDPROC
1390 DEFPROCe1:PROCp1:IFMX=OENDPROC
1400 SX=SX+1: RX=TRUE : c (SX ) =M7.: b (SX) =AX: ENDPROC
1410 DEFPROCf1:AX=AX+1:IFAX>CXM*=""ELSEM*=C*(AX)
1420 X=OPENOUT <M*) : LOCAL AX, BX: FORAX=OTOm-l: PRINT #X , ql* (AX) : BX=0: REPEAT: F*RINT#X,
d*(AX,BX) : BX=BX+1 : UNTILd* (AX, B7.-1) = "END" : NEXT: PRINT#X, "FINISH" : CLOSE#X : ENDPROC
1430 DEF PROCg 1 :A7.=AX+1: IFAX>CXM*=" "ELSEM*=C* (AX)
1440 X =OPENIN(Mi):LOCALAX,BX,A#:m=0
1450 INPU1#X,A*:IFA*="FINISH“CLOSE#X:ENDPROC
1460 m=m+1 : ql * (AX)=A*:BX=0: REPEAT : INPUT#X , d* (AX, BX) : BX=BX+1: UNT ILd* (AX B7.-1) = "E
ND":AX=AX+1:GOTO1450
14 70 DEF PROCh1:LOCALDX:PROCp1:DX=UX:PROCp1:V(DX)=M:ENDPROC
1480 DEFPROC11:PROCpl:VDU19,O,MX,O,0,0:ENDPROC
1490 DEFPROCnl:PROCo:IFPUIN1(XX,YX)^ >OPROCo:ENDPROC
1500 GCOLO, 7: ?&76=XXMOD256: ?fc77=XXDIV256: ?&78=YXMOD256: ?8«79=Y7.DI V256: OSCLI ‘ FILL
":OSCLI"LOAD VARCODE 900“:PROCo:ENDPROC
1510 DEFPROCul: IFNOl FXENDF>ROC
1520 IFXX> 12750RXX<40RYX< 1320RYX>1019XX=XC0R: Y7.=YCOR
1530 ENDPROC
1540 DEFPROCto:IFm=20PRINT"No more room":AX=CX:ENDPROC
1550 AX=AX+1:IFAX>CXPRINT"Missing name":ENDPROC
1560 ql*im)=C*(AX):VX=0:LOCALG*,H*
1570 PROCpl:IFM*=""GOT01590
1580 d* (m, VX) =M*: H*=MI D* (M*, 2, LENM*-1) : G*=G*+CHRt (96+EVALH*) + " " : VX=V7.+ 1 : GOTO 15
70
1590 PROCx1("DEFINING “+qlS(m)+CHR*13+CHR*1O+G*)
1600 PROCf
1610 d*(m,VX)=A*
1620 VX=VX+1
1630 IFC#(CX)<>"END"60T01600
1640 PROCj:CLS:CLG:PROCo:PRINTql*(m);" DEFINED":m=m+1:ENDPROC
1650 07.=0
1660 IFLEF1 % (d# (aX, OX) , 2) =“V ( " THENQX=EVAL (RIGHT* (d* (aX, 07.) , LEN (d* (aX, 07.) ) -1) ) :P
ROCp 1: V (Q7.) =MX : OX=OX+1: GO f 01660
1670 p2=p2+1:1 2* (p2) =1 2*: 12 (p2) =AX: e2 (p2) =CX: A7.=0
1 680 1 2*= " " : REPEAT : 1 2S= 1 2*+d* (aX, 07. ) + " " : OX=OX+1 : UNT ILd* < aX, OX-1 ) = " END "
1690 PROCq(12*):k=FALSE:d2= T RUE:ENDPROC
1 700 DEF PROCol : A7.=AX+ 1 : IF AX >CXPRINT"Mi ssx ng name" : ENDPROC
1710 PROCk(C*(AX)):IFNOTk PRINT"Undefined word":ENDPROC
1720 LOCALUX, V7-: PROCx 1 ("EDITING " + ql * (aX) ) : A7.=«dO
1730 IF LEFT* (d* (aX, VX) , 2) = " V ( "VX=V7.+1: GOTOl 730
1740 s7.=V7.
1750 IFd*(aX,VX)="END"eX=VX-l:GO!01770
1760 PRINTJUX;" ";d*(aX,VX):UX=UX+1:VX=VX+1:GOTOl750
1770 PROCh:PROCf:IFLEFT*(A*,6)=“CHANGE"GOTO1840
1780 IFLEF1 *(A*,4)="HELP"PRINT"Edit mode"'"CHANGE Uine no.>"'"DELETE (line no.
234 PCW AUGUST 1985
MICROMART
PROGRAM FILE
>"'"HELP" 7 "INSERT ^before line no.>”’"LIST"'"QUIT":60T01770
1790 IFLEFT*(A*,6)="DELETE"GO TO1870
1800 IF LEF T*(A*,4)=“DUIT”PROC j:CLS:CLG:PROCo:k =FALSE:ENDPROC
1810 IF LEF T *(At,4)="LIST"GOT 01900
1820 IFLEFT*(A*,6)="INSERT"G0T01910
1830 PRINT“Mi stake”:GOTO1770
1840 IFLENA*=6 INPUT”Which line:" A7.ELSEA*/.=EVAL (RIGHT* (A*, LENA*-6> )
1850 IF A7. > (e7.-s7.) ORA7.< OPR I NT " No such 1 ine" : GOTO 1770
1860 PRINTd* (a7., S7.+A7.) : PROCf : d* <a7., S7.+A7.) =A*:GOT01770
1870 IFLENA*=6 INPUr n Which line:" A7.ELSEA7.=EVAL (RIGHT* (A*, LENA*-6) >
1880 IF A7.Xe7. -s7.)ORA7.<OPRINT"No such 1 j ne" : GOTOl 770
1890 F0RB7.=s7.+A7. rOe7.: d* (a7., B7.) =d* (a7., B7.+ 1) : NEXT: d* (a7., B7.) =" " : e7.=e7.-l: G0T01770
1900 U7.=0:F0RB7.=s7.l 0e7.:PRINr;U7.; " " ; d* (a7., B7.) : U7.=U7.+ 1: NEXT: G0TD1770
1910 IFLENA*=6 INPUI 1 ’Which line:" A7.ELSEA7.=EVAL (RIGHT* (A*, LENA*-6> >
1920 1FA7.> (e7.-s7.)ORA7.<OPRINT"No such 1 i ne” : GOTU1770
1930 IFe7.= 7B PRINT’No room" : G0T01 770
1940 FURB7.=e7.+2 I Os7.+A7.STEP-1: d* (a7., B7.) =d* (a7., B7.-1) : NEXT: e7.=e7.+ l
1950 PRUCt : d* (a7., s7.+A7.) =A*:GOTO1770
196U DEFPROC;: 1 (V*) : CLS: PR IN I V*: PROCo: CLG: VDU28, 1,26,38, 1: COLOUR 128: COLOUR7: ENDP
ROC
10 X =OPENOUT"DATA"
20 RESTORE
30 REPEAT
40 READA*
50 PRINT #X,A*
60 UNTILA*="WD"
70 CLOSE#X
80 DATABACKGROUND,BACK,CLEARSCREEN,COORDINATES,EDIT,END,ENDREPEAT,F ENCE,FILL,
FORWARD,HELP,HIDETURTLE,HOME,LEFT,LOAD,MAKE,PENCOLOUR,PENDOWN,PENERASE,PENREVERS
E,PENUP,PR INT,PRINTDUMP,REPEA \ ,RESET,RIGHT,SAVE,SETHEADING,SETPOS,SE T X,SET Y
90 DATASHOWTURTLE,TO,WINDOW
lOO DATA<numer i c>, Lnumer i c >, <0/ 1 >, -.name), " " , " ” , " " , " " , ^ numer i c , < n
umeric>,<fsp>,<letter > <numeric>,<numerlc ,<numerlc ,(numeric; 6s
t atemen 16 ENDREPEAT, “ ", < numer i c>, <f sp ->,< numer i c >, (numeric/' x numer 1 c >
llO DATA<numerlc>,(numeric>,"“,(name> 6statement6 END,""
120 DATABG,BK,CS,CO,ED,”",ER,FE,FL,FD,HL,HT,HM,LT,LD,MK,PC,PD,PE,PR,PU,FT,PDP,
RE,RS,RT,SV,SETH,SETP,SX,SY,ST,"",WD
10 MODE/:PRINT' 7 " 1 Enter code"
20 PRINT'" 2 Check code"
30 PRINT" 3 Save code"
40 PRINT 77 ” Select option”;
50 A*=GET*:IFA*<”1"0RA*>"3"G0T050
60 IF A*="1"PROCen t er:GOT 010
70 IFA*=”2"PRQCcheck:GOTO10
80 INPUT 7 "Enter filename:" A*
90 OSCLI "SAVE "+A*+" "+STR* S7.+ ”
lOO GOTOIO
110 DEFPROCenter
120 INPUT 7 "Enter start address Sc"
130 IFA7.>ScAFF0RA7.<Sc900 VDU7:PRINT"
140 S7.=A7.
150 PRINT A7.; ":8c"; : INPUT"" V*
160 IFLENV*< >2 VDU7:PRINT"Error":G0T0150
170 IFV*="XX"ENDPROC
180 V7.=EVAL ( " Sc" + V*)
190 7A7.=V7.
200 A7.=A7. +1: E7.=A7. : GO 1 0150
210 DEF PROCchec k
220 INPU1 7 “Enter start address Sc" A*: A7.=EVAL ( ”Sc"+A*)
230 IFA7.>8cAFF0RA7.<Sc900 VDU7: PR INI "Ill egal star t " : G0T0220
24u PR INI A7.;“:8c"; ?A7.
250 A*=GET *: IFA*="X"ENDPROC
260 A7.=A7.+ 1: IPA7.<8cAFFGO 10240
270 ENDPROC
"+STR* EX
A* : A7.=EVAL ( " Sc" +A*)
Illegal start":GOTOl20
OOOO
0008
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08 OO *.
BEST UK
SOFTWARE PRICES)*
Buy from TriSoft Ltd., the specialist software company
formed by microcomputer consultants.
★ Over 400 leading software packages (inc. Apple)
★ Independent advice in making your choice
★ Professional staff + network of consultants
★ Most formats. All programs latest versions
SAGE ACCOUNTS £245
SAGE PLUS £485
List
Our
List
Our
Price
Price
Price
Price
★ dBase II
395
239
Knowledgeman
450
359
Open Access
550
325
Superproject
395
299
Supercalc II
195
145
DR C Compiler
295
225
Supercalc III
360
199
MS Basic Comp
385
299
Multiplan
190
145
MS Pascal
295
235
* WordStar Prof
399
265
Data Plot Plus
195
155
Multimate 3.3
399
265
Ascom
170
149
DMS Delta 4
495
375
MS Word
400
299
* Price for non-IBM/Apricot format
* SPECIAL OFFERS*
J IBM/APRICOT ONLY *
ft FOR JULY/AUGUST ONLY, OR WHILE STOCKS LAST +
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
dBASE II
A dBASE III
FRAMEWORK
LOTUS 1-2-3
SYMPHONY
WORDSTAR PROF
A WORDSTAR 2000
A — NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE
APRICOT
PEGASUS ACCOUNT
All prices exclude VAT and carriage.
If you see any of these products genuinely advertised at a
lower price we will improve upon that offer in most cases.
Please phone or write for our comprehensive price list.
DEALER, CONSULTANT, GOVERNMENT AND
OVERSEAS ENQUIRIES WELCOME
Crown Square, Matlock,
Derbyshire DE4 3AT
Tel: 0629-3021 (6 lines)
COMMODORE
2001-3000
4000-8000
We have the world’s largest selection of software for
the PET/CBM range. We supply to schools, universi¬
ties, large and small companies, government depart¬
ments, and of course home users.
We also manufacture add-on boards and plug-in chips
that can make your computer more powerful — the
most popular add-ons are our high resolution graphics
boards which give your PET better resolution than an
Apple!
IF YOU OWN OR USE A PET/CBM COMPUTER WRITE
OR PHONE FOR A FREE CATALOGUE. By the way, we
also offer software for the Commodore 64.
SIJPERSOFT
Winchester House, Canning Road, Wealdstone,
Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 7SJ
Telephone: 01-861 1166
AUGUST 1985 PC W 235
MICROMART
BRAIN
SURGEONS
Anita Electronic Services (London) Ltd. are
specialists in the repair and service of the
Superbrain and associated peripherals.
We offer a fast on-site nationwide service
or alternative repairs can be carried out at
our workshops should you wish to bring
your machine in to us.
Maintenance contracts are available at
very competitive prices.
We also specialise in the repair of Com¬
modore, Apple, IBM Apricot, Osborne and
Sirius.
Trade enquiries welcome
For further information telephone or write
to:—
Mr. D. Wilkinson
Anita House,
15 Clerkenwell Close,
London EC1R OAD
Tel: 01-253 2444
TYPESET DIRECT
FROM DISK
x Anvil direct typesetting from micro disks puts
you firmly in control of your photo-typesetting.
Mark up your text using your usual
wordprocessor commands (as long as you are
using WordStar, Wordwise or another similar
CP/M, MS-DOS or PC-DOS wordprocessing
program).
x TypeFit software copy fits (casts off) your text
files on your micro in exactly the same way as a
photo-typesetter.
Create copyfitted wordprocessor files which
can be typeset line-for-line and character-for-
character.
Write or telephone now for details of low cost
TypeFit demo software and FREE Anvil
typesetting offer.
Wordsmiths
33 Clerkenwell Close • London EC1
S (01) 608 1868
19 West End • Street • Somerset
S (0458)45359
ALL TYPES OF
BUSINESS COMPUTER
SYSTEMS BOUGHT,
SOLD AND EXCHANGED
BESPOKE PROGRAMMING
SERVICE IN BASIC,
COBOL OR PASCAL
ALL TYPES OF NEW
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
Telephone:
0602 761504/278620
D+R COMPUTER
SERVICES
PROGRAM FILE
oooo
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**
**
MSX Chas in the Castle
by A Sidgwick
This is a typical platform-and-ladders
game for all MSX computers. In it, you
take the part of Chas, a likeable short,
fat, thief working for a higher authority
by stealing toxic spider eggs. Naturally,
the spiders protect their eggs and are
extremely poisonous.
To try the game, simply type in the
listing, save it and then run it. You can
skip the REM statements to save typing
and memory.
lOO REM ******************
110 REM * *
120 REM * CHAS *
130 REM * - *
140 REM * IN THE CASTLE. *
150 REM *- *
160 REM * *
170 REM * BY A, SIDGWICK *
180 REM * *
190 REM * 11/4/85 *
200 REM * *
210 REM ******************
220 REM
230 REM
240 REM -
250 REM
260 REM *** TITLE SCREEN ***
270 REM
280 REM -
290 KEYOFF
300 COLOR 11,1,1
310 CLS
320 SCREEN 2,0
330 COLOR 11,1,1
340 OPEN"grp:"FOR OUTPUT AS #1
350 GOSUB 4840
360 PSET(20,30)„1
370 PRINT #1," CHAS"
380 COLOR 5
390 PSET<20,37),1
400 PRINT #1," _ H
410 PSET(20,65),1
420 PRINT #1,” IN THE CASTLE"
430 COLOR 11
440 PSET <20,72),1
450 PRINT #1," _"
460 REM
470 REM -
480 REM *** COPY WRITE SPRITE ***
490 REM -
500 REM
510 SPRITE* <1)=CHR*(60)+CHR*(66)+CHR*(189)+CHR*(161)+CHR*(161)+CHR*(189)+CHR*(66
)+CHR*(60)
520 FOR L=240 TO 40 STEP -1
530 PUT SPRITE 1,(L,48),6,1
540 NEXT L
550 FOR D=48 TO 138 STEP 1
560 PUT SPRITE 1,(40,D),6,1
570 NEXT D
580 FOR R=40 TO 50 STEP 1
590 PUT SPRITE 1,(R,138),6,1
600 NEXT R
610 PSET(70,140),1
620 COLOR 11
236 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
630 PRINT #1,"A.SIDGWICK."
640 PSET(163,140),1
650 COLOR 6
660 PRINT #1,"1985."
670 IF PLAY(2) THEN 670
680 REM
690 REM ********************
700 REM
710 REM *** GAME PROGRAM ***
720 REM
730 REM *** STARTS HERE ***
740 REM
750 REM ********************
760 REM
770 PSET(32,168) , 1 :COLOR 5:PRINT #l,"Do you want to see the"
780 PSET(32,181),1:PRINT #1,"instructions ? <y/n>"
790 A*=INKEY*:IF A*=""THEN GOTO 790
800 IF A*="Y" OR A*="y" THEN BEEP:GOSUB 5050
805 CLOSE
810 IF A*="N" OR A*="n" THEN BEEP
820 KEY OFF
840 OPEN"GRP:"FOR OUTPUT AS #1
850 COLOR 3,1,1
860 SCREEN 2,2,0
870 REM
880 REM -
890 REM *** VARIABLES ***
900 REM -
910 REM
920 SC7.=0
930 MX=30
940 MY=137
950 MS=6
960 L=3
970 FOR 1=1 TO 6
980 READ AX(I)
990 NEXT I
lOOO DATA 50,100,70,120,10,60
1010 AY=145
1020 AS=3
1030 REM
1040 REM -
1050 REM ** SET UP SCREEN **
1060 REM -
1070 REM
1080 GOSUB 3120
1090 REM
1100 REM -
lllO REM ** DISPLAY SCORE **
1120 REM --
1130 REM
1140 GOSUB 3880
1150 REM
1160 REM -
1170 REM ** DISPLAY LIVES **
1180 REM -
1190 REM
1200 GOSUB 3970
1210 REM
1220 REM -
1230 REM ** DEFINE SPRITES **
1240 REM -
1250 REM
1260 REM
1270 REM -
1280 REM ** CHARLIE HERO **
1290 REM -
1300 REM
1310 REM -
1320 REM ** STEPPING RIGHT **
1330 REM -
1340 REM
1350 RESTORE 1430
1360 FOR 1=1 TO 16
1370 READ A*
1380 B*=B*+CHR*(VAL("S<B"+LEFT*(A*,8) ) )
1390 C*=C*+CHR*(VAL<"&B"+RIGHT*<A*,8)))
1400 NEXT I
1410 SPRITE*(1)=B*+C*
1420 REM
1430 DATA OOOOOOOOllOOOOOO
1440 DATA OOOOOOOllllOlOOO
1450 DATA OOOOOOllllllOOOO
1460 DATA OOOOOll111010000
1470 DATA OOOOOl1000101000
1480 DATA OOOOOOIOOOOIOOOO
1490 DATA OOOOOO11111OOOOO
1500 DATA OOOOl1111111lOOO
1510 DATA OOOlll1111111100
1520 DATA OOlllOlllllOlllO
1530 DATA OOllOOlllllOOllO
1540 DATA OOOOOl11111OOOOO
1550 DATA 0000111111110000
1560 DATA OOOllllOOlll1110
1570 DATA 0011100000111100
1580 DATA OOOlllOOOOOlOOOO
1590 REM
1600 REM
1610 REM -
1620 REM ** FACING RIGHT **
1630 REM -
1640 REM
1650 RESTORE 1730
1660 FOR 1=1 TO 16
1670 READ D*
1680 E*=E*+CHR*(VAL("&B"+LEFT*(D*,8)))
1690 F*=F*+CHR*(VAL("&B"+RIGHT*<D*,8)))
1700 NEXT I
1710 SPRITES<2)=E*+F*
1720 REM
1730 DATA OOOOOOOOllOOOOOO
1740 DATA OOOOOOOllllOlOOO
1750 DATA OOOOOOllllllOOOO
1760 DATA OOOOO111 110lOOOO
1770 DATA OOOOOl1000101000
1780 DATA OOOOOOIOOOOIOOOO
1790 DATA OOOOOOlllllOOOOO
1800 DATA OOOOOl10111lOOOO
1810 DATA OOOOOllOllllOOOO
1820 DATA OOOOOl10111lOOOO
1830 DATA OOOOOl10111lOOOO
1840 DATA OOOOOOlllllOOOOO
1850 DATA OOOOOOOl11OOOOOO
1860 DATA OOOOOOO111OOOOOO
1870 DATA OOOOOOO111OOOOOO
1880 DATA OOOOOOO111 1OOOOO
MICROMART
SAGE SUPERDEALS
List
Our
Price
Price
Sage Accounts.
.375
245
Sage Plus.
.695
485
Sage Payroll.
.195
145
Accts/Payroll.
.495
359
★ Bookkeeper.
.295
199
★ Accountant.
.495
359
★ Accountant Plus
.695
485
A ChitChat.
.130
110
A C/C with Modem
.395
299
A Options.
.145
115
(★ MS-DOS only
A IBM/Apricot only)
If you require advice please call
All the above prices include full support
from our technical department. We are
authorised Sage Superdealers.
DEALER ENQUIRIES A MUST
CROWN SQUARE, MATLOCK,
DERBYSHIRE DE43AT
Tel: 0629-3021 (6 lines)
SPECIAL OFFER
DISKS
100% ERROR FREE
LIFETIME WARRANTY
M P EACH
+ VAT SSDD
M P EACH
+ VAT OSDD
PACKS OF 25 MIN QTY 50
P&P —£1.25 PER PACK
Kambal Data Systems
01-631 1212
GENIE & TRS-80 Model 1
Don’t sell your computer upgrade to latest
spec:
Genie 48K RAM £39.95
Lowercase Genie £27.95
Lowercase TR 80 Mod 1 CALL
Hi speed CPU £27.95 (Nearly double speed)
Centronics printer interface Genie £44.95
Centronics Printer TRS Mod 1 £54.95
RS232-C interface Genie £64.95
R232-C interface TRS Mod 1 £75.95
Double density disc upgrade CALL
Disc interface CALL
Please add£1.50p&p and 15% VAT
ARC ELECTRONICS
54 HERON DRIVE
WAKEFIELD, W. YORKS
Tel: (0924) 253145
AUGUST 1985 PC W 237
PROGRAM FILE
MICROMART
COMPUTER SERVICE
8 WORKING HOUR RESPONSE
for
£69.50 + VAT
per system
Large savings on normal
Maintenance costs
Details on Registration can be
obtained from:
SUMLOCK ELECTRONICS
LIMITED
GOTHIC HOUSE
MARKETPLACE
PENKRIDGE
STAFFS ST19 5DJ
Tel: 078-571-515
SERIOUS BUSINESS OR SERIOUS HOBBY
THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL BEAT OUR NORMAL PRICES IS
TO JOIN OUR DISCOUNT GROUP. WE DARE NOT PRINT THEM!!
Acorn, Apricot, Atari, Amstrad, Brother, Canon, Commodore, Cumana,
Enterprise, Epson, GEC. Juki, Mannesman Tally, Mitsubishi, Opus, Oric,
Philips, Sanyo, Sokata, Sorryifwemissedyou, Sinclair, Solid Disk. Tatung,
Torch, Triumph Adler.
*
*
*
*
*
*
THIS MONTH'S MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
CANON PW1080A NLQ Dot Matrix
ACORN Music 500 FM Synthesiser
AMSTRAD 664 Colour + Drive
£240 • VAT £276.00inc. VAT
£150 • VAT £172.50inc. VAT
£374 • VAT £430.10inc. VAT
*
*
* *
* * *
* * * *
*
* *
*
*
* *
Hs * * * *
* *
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We carry most leading brand names. For more information on how to get our
monthly price list of genuine discount prices and details of the other services
we offer contact —
COMPUTER DISCOUNT GROUP
8 Westwood Lane, Welling. Kent DA16 2HE
Tel: 01-301 3745/03224 48561
Callers by prior appointment only.
EPSON
COMPUTER AND PRINTER
REPAIRS AND SALES
Tel: 01-968 8622
APPROVED EPSON SERVICE CENTRE
Terrific prices on all printers
We do have a same day service if you
bring your computer or printer to us. Easy
free parking.
Or if you prefer we will come to you, fast—
on an emergency call out or a cheap rate
annual rate annual maintenance contract.
Distributors and dealers — we provide a
special service for you.
ON SITE MAINTENANCE
IBM ★ APRICOT ★ SIRIUS
ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME
LOGIFIX LTD
H0RMEAD WHARF, H0RMEAD ROAD
PADDINGTON, LONDON W9
Evening and weekend collections possible
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1890 REM
1900 REM
1910 REM
1920 REM -
1930 REM ** FACING LEFT **
1940 REM -
1950 REM
1960 RESTORE 2040
1970 FOR 1=1 TO 16
1980 READ G*
1990 H*=H*+CHR*(VALC , SrB ,, +LEFT*(G*,8) ) )
2000 I*=I*+CHR* (VAL ( "SrB"+RIGHT* <G*, 8) > )
2010 NEXT I
2020 SPRITE* <3)=H*+1 *
2030 REM
2040 DATA OOOOOO11OOOOOOOO
2050 DATA OOOlOl111OOOOOOO
2060 DATA OOOO111111OOOOOO
2070 DATA OOOOIOI111lOOOOO
2080 DATA OOOIOIOOI1100000
2090 DATA 00001OOOO1OOOOOO
2100 DATA OOOOOlllllOOOOOO
2110 DATA OOOOllllOllOOOOO
2120 DATA 0000111101100000
2130 DATA OOOOllllOllOOOOO
2140 DATA OOOOllllOllOOOOO
2150 DATA OOOOOlllllOOOOOO
2160 DATA OOOOOO1110000000
2170 DATA OOOOOO111OOOOOOO
2180 DATA 0000001110000000
2190 DATA OOOOOllllOOOOOOO
2200 REM
2210 REM -
2220 REM ** STEPPING LEFT **
2230 REM -
2240 REM
2250 RESTORE 2330
2260 FOR 1=1 TO 16
2270 READ J*
2280 K*=K*+CHR* (VAL ( "StB"+LEFT* (J*, 8) ) )
2290 L*=L*+CHR*(VAL(“&B"+RI6HT*(J*,8)))
2300 NEXT I
2310 SPRITE*(4)=K*+L*
2320 REM
2330 DATA 00000011OOOOOOOO
2340 DATA OOO101111OOOOOOO
2350 DATA 0000111111000000
2360 DATA OOOO1011111OOOOO
2370 DATA OOOIOIOOI1lOOOOO
2380 DATA OOOO1OOOO1OOOOOO
2390 DATA OOOOOlllllOOOOOO
2400 DATA 0001111111110000
2410 DATA 0011111111111000
2420 DATA 0111011111011lOO
2430 DATA 0110011111001100
2440 DATA OOOOO111111OOOOO
2450 DATA OOOOl1111111OOOO
2460 DATA 011111100111lOOO
2470 DATA OOl1110000011100
2480 DATA OOOOlOOOOOl11OOO
2490 REM
2500 REM -
2510 REM ** SPIDERS **
2520 REM -
2530 REM
2540 RESTORE 2610
2550 FOR 1=1 TO 8
2560 READ M*
2570 N*=N*+CHR* (VAL ( "8rB"+M*) )
2580 NEXT I
2590 SPRITE*(5)=N*
2600 REM
2610 DATA OOOOOOOO
2620 DATA OOl11100
2630 DATA 01011010
2640 DATA 01111110
2650 DATA 01OOOO10
2660 DATA 01111110
2670 DATA 01011010
2680 DATA 10100101
2690 REM
2700 REM -
2710 REM * PUT CHAS ON SCREEN *
2720 REM -
2730 REM
2740 GOSUB 6230
2750 REM
2760 REM -
2770 REM ** ON COLLISION GOSUB **
2780 REM -
2790 REM
2800 SPRITE ON
2810 ON SPRITE BOSUB 4710
2820 S=STICK(0)
2830 STRIG(O) ON
2840 ON STRIG GOSUB 5460
2850 REM
2860 REM---
2870 REM ** LEFT & RIGHT GOSUBS **
2880 REM * UP & DOWN LADDER GOSUBS *
2890 REM -
2900 REM
2910 IF POINT (MX , MY) =4 THEN LINE (MX-4, MY-4) - (MX + 10, MY+10) , 1 , BF: SC7.=SC%+373: GOSUB
3880
2920 IF POINT<MX,MY)=10 THEN GOSUB 3780
2930 IF POINT(MX+4,MY+20)=1 AND POINT(MX+8,MY+20)=1 THEN GOSUB 6300
2940 IF S=7 THEN PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,4:FOR X=1 TO 60:NEXT:GOSUB 4370
2950 IF S=3 THEN PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,1:FOR X=1 TO 60:NEXT:GOSUB 4450
2960 IF S=1 THEN GOSUB 4530
2970 IF S=5 THEN GOSUB 4620
2980 REM
2990 REM -
3000 REM * PUT SPIDERS ON SCREEN *
3010 REM -
3020 REM
3030 GOSUB 4060
3040 GOTO 2820
3050 REM
3060 REM ***********************
3070 REM
3080 REM *** SET UP SCREEN ***
3090 REM
3100 REM ***********************
3110 REM
3120 LINE(9,13)—(246,179),6,B
3130 REM
238 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
MICROMART
3140 REM -
3150 REM *** DRAW FLOORS ***
3160 REM -
3170 REM
3180 A=50
3190 FOR N=1 TO 3
3200 FOR W=1 TO 2
3210 Y=W*5+A
3220 FOR B=1 TO 34
3230 X=B*7+3
3240 LINE(X,Y)-STEP (5,3>,14,BF
3250 NEXT B
3260 NEXT W
3270 A=A+50
3280 NEXT N
3290 REM
3300 REM -
3310 REM ** DRAW STEPS **
3320 REM -
3330 REM
3340 LINE(10,38)-(25,44),14,BF
3350 LINE(10,43)-(33,49),14,BF
3360 LINE(10,48)—(41,53),14,BF
3370 REM
3380 REM -v-
3390 REM ** POSITION HOLES **
3400 REM -
3410 REM
3420 LINE(102,52)—(119,63),1,BF
3430 LINE(42,102)-(59,113),1,BF
3440 LINE(202,103)-(219,113),1,BF
3450 LINE(152,53)-(169,63),1,BF
3460 REM
3470 REM -
3480 REM *** DRAW LADDERS ***
3490 REM -
3500 REM
3510 RESTORE 3630
3520 FOR N=1 TO 2
3530 READ T:READ Q:READ F
3540 LINE (T, Q) - (T, Q+F)
3550 LINE(T+10,Q)—(T+10,Q+F)
3560 FOR R=T TO T+10
3570 FOR V=Q+1 TO Q+F STEP 7
3580 LINE(R,V)-(R,V)
3590 NEXT V
3600 NEXT R
3610 BEEP
3620 NEXT N
3630 DATA 138,106,50
3640 DATA 230,56,50
3650 REM
3660 REM -
3670 REM ** DRAW BELL **
3680 REM -
3690 REM
3700 PSET(15,140),1
3710 DRAW"Cl0S2R8D2R1U2R8U2L2U8H5L4“
3720 DRAWG5D8L2D2": PAINT (17, 139) , 10
3730 REM
3740 REM -
3750 REM ** DRAW SPHERES **
3760 REM -
3770 REM
3780 CIRCLE(18,22),5,4:PAINT(19,23),4
3790 CIRCLE(135,38),5,4:PAINT(136,39),4
3800 CIRCLE(25,88),5,4:PAINT(26,89),4
3810 CIRCLE(230,138),5,4:PAINT(232,139),4
3820 RETURN
3830 REM
3840 REM -
3850 REM ** DISPLAY SCORE **
3860 REM -
3870 REM
3880 LINE(65,0)—(115,8),1,BF
3890 PSET(20,0),1
3900 PRINT #1, "Score ";SC7.
3910 RETURN
3920 REM
3930 REM -
3940 REM ** DISPLAY LIVES **
3950 REM -
3960 REM
3970 LI NE (225, O) — (250,8) , 1, BF
3980 PSET(180,0),1
3990 PRINT #1,"Lives ";L
4000 RETURN
4010 REM
4020 REM -
4030 REM ** POSITION ALIENS **
4040 REM -
4050 REM
4060 SOUND 7.&B00111110
4070 SOUND 0,2
4080 SOUND 1,15
4090 SOUND 8,5
4100 PUT SPRITE 2,(AX(1),AY),4,5
4110 PUT SPRITE 3,(AX(2),AY),6,5
4120 PUT SPRITE 4,(AX(3),AY-50),15,5
4130 SOUND 7,&B00111110
4140 SOUND 0,7
4150 SOUND 1,25
4160 SOUND 8,5
4170 PUT SPRITE 5,(AX(4),AY-50),11,5
4180 PUT SPRITE 6,(AX(5),AY-lOO),4,5
4190 PUT SPRITE 7,(AX(6),AY-lOO),13,5
4200 IF AX (1X50 THEN AX(1>=240
4210 IF AX(2)<50 THEN AX(2)=240
4220 FOR 1=1 TO 6
4230 IF AX(I)<10 THEN AX(I)=240
4240 AX(I)=AX(I)—AS
4250 NEXT I
4260 RETURN
4270 REM
4280 REM -
4290 REM *** SUBROUTINE FOR ***
4300 REM *** MOVING CHAS ***
4310 REM -
4320 REM
4330 REM -
4340 REM *** CHAS GO LEFT ***
4350 REM -
4360 REM
4370 MX=MX—MS:PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,3:IF MY=37 AND MX<41 AND MX>33 THEN GOSUB
5230
4380 IF MX<lO THEN MX=10
PLUS 5
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MICROS
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pack. £105
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Int Soccer. Free holiday voucher for two
£170
Amstrad CPC 464 Colour monitor &
over £100 software £291
Amstrad CPM 464. Green monitor &
over £100 software £204
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BBC B £296
BBC B (Econet fitted) £387
Sanyo MSX. £199
MONITORS
Sinclair QL vision monitor.£252
Microvitec QL monitor.£235
Psion QL 14 £169
Commodore colour monitor £174
Fidelity TV monitor.£192
Sanyo green monitor £82
DISK DRIVES
Commodore 1541. Free Easy script £162
Amstrad 3” £169
Cumana CSX 100 £104
Cumana CSX 200S £134
Cumana CD 800S £347
PRINTERS
Commodore MPS 801 £139
Commodore MPS 802 Free Easy script
& Future Finance £295
Commodore DPS 1101. Free Easy script^
Epson RX 80FT4 £231
.. £299
£196
£208
£170
£130
£295
Canon PW 1080A
ShinwaCPA 80
Brother EP44
Brother Ml009
Brother HR5.
Juki 2200.
ACCESSORIES
ZX Expansion system. Microdrive, inter¬
face & software £86
Spectrum disc drive interface £87
DKTronics light pen £17
Sinclair interface 2 (free Rom). £17
Program joystick interface.
Quick Shot II joystick.
Easy Script.
Diskettes 3M SSDD10.
Microdrive Cartridge
CASIO
PB700 .
FX820P
FX750P.
FX720P.
FX4000P
PB410.
PB110.
Data Bank PF3100.
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£9
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£75
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Complete range of Casio and Spectrum/Commodore add ons at discount
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SCIENTIFIC SUBROUTINE LIBRARY
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Mean, SD, Normal Distribution, Partial Expectation, Chauvenets Criterion,
Least Squares Fit to a Polynomial and Arbitrary Function, Repetitive Least
Squares Fits, Covariance Matrix, Chi-Squared Statistic, Matrix Inversion,
Solution of Linear Simultaneous Equations.
VOLUME 2 — LINEAR PROGRAMMING
Reduction of a Simplex Tableau, Integer Programming, Partial Integer
Programming, Conversational Linear Programming System, Least Cost Mix
Problem.
VOLUME 3 — FURTHER STATISTICS
Ranking, Quantiles, Frequency, Correlation Coefficient, T, Chi-Squared and
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Test, Linear and Multiple Regression, ANOVA 1-way and 2-way.
VOLUME 4 — TRANSFORMATIONS AND SORTING ALGO¬
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All routines are written in BASIC for easy implementation on any machine.
Machine readable source code — £75 plus VAT per volume. (Most disk
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CP/M TO DEC FILE TRANSFER
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SERVICES
Micro Logic Consultants specialise in scientific data processing and the
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Telephone: 0403 731818
AUGUST 1985 PC W 239
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BANK
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★ Automatic posting of standing orders and other
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★ Delete, amend and even backdate entries. Scroll
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★ 6 different entry search routines!
★ Post items to headings name by YOU to suit your
circumstances. Print out individual accounts and
summary, e g. all payments to building society or
motoring expenses.
★ Output of bank statement and accounts to most
Epson compatible printers. Makes automatic use
of memory expansions. Demonstration bank
account included.
Cartridge and Manual £19.95 -I- 50p P&P
Cheques and POs to:
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Dept. PCW
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PROGRAM FILE
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM *** CHAS GO RIGHT ***
REM -
REM
MX=MX+MS:PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,2:IF MY=19 THEN GOSUB 5340
IF MX>230 THEN MX=230
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM *** CHAS GO UP ***
REM -
REM
IF MY=137 AND MX>131 AND MXC145 THEN MY=87
IF MY=87 AND MX>223 AND MX<237 THEN MY=37
PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,3
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM *** CHAS GO DOWN ***
REM -
REM
IF MY=37 AND MX>223 AND MX<237 THEN MY=87
IF MY=87 AND MX>131 AND MX<145 THEN MY=137
PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,2
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM ** LOOSE LIFE ROUTINE **
REM -
REM
SOUND 8,0
MX=30:MY=137:PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,2
PLAY“ T255V804BAGFE8D8C8" , ,, 04GFEDC803B8A8 ,, , "04EDC03BA8G8F8"
L=L—1
GOSUB 3970
IF L<1 THEN GOSUB 4930
FOR X=1 TO 600:NEXT X
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM ** TITLE MUSIC ROUTINE **
REM -
REM
A1*="03T120EBD8C4E8F8G4A8B804C403B8A8G8A8G8F8E4D8C3"
A2*= "03T120G8F8E468A8B404C8D8E4D8C803B804C803B8A8G4F 8E3"
PLAY A1*,A2*
RETURN
REM
REM -
REM *** LOOSER SCREEN ***
REM -
REM
SCREEN O
PRINT"You lose... you have scored "; SCX
LOCATE O,21:PRINT"Do you want to play again <Y/N> ?"
A*=INKEY*
IF A*="N" OR A*="n" THEN CLS:PRINT"SO LONG FOR NOW.":END
1F a*="Y" OR A*="y" THEN CLEAR:GOTO 840
GOTO 4960
REM
4390
4400
4410
4420
4430
4440
4450
4460
4470
4480
4490
4500
4510
4520
4530
4540
4550
4560
4570
4580
4590
4600
4610
4620
4630
4640
4650
4660
4670
4680
4690
4700
4710
4720
4730
4740
4750
4760
4770
4780
4790
4800
4810
4820
4830
4840
4850
4860
4870
4880
4890
4900
4910
4920
4930
4940
4950
4960
4970
4980
4990
5000
5010 REM -
5020 REM *** INSTRUCTIONS ***
5030 REM -
5040 REM
5050 SCREEN O:COLOR 4,1
5060 PRINT"1. INSTRUCTIONS"
5070 LOCATE 3,4:PRINT"Use the CURSOR keys to move Chas around the screen."
5080 LOCATE 3,8:PRINT"You must help Chas prove he is notas yellow as he looks by
helping him destroy the giant blue radio-active spider eggs."
5090 LOCATE 3,14:PRINT"Jump over the spiders, which try to protect the eggs, by
pressing the SPACE BAR."
5100 LOCATE 3,20:PRINT“PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE."
5110 IF INKEY*=“" THEN 5110
5120 CLS
5130 PRINT"2. INSTRUCTIONS"
5140 LOCATE 3,lO:PRINF'After you have helped him destroy all the eggs on the scr
een return to the bottom level, ding the bell and more eggs will appear."
5150 LOCATE 3,20:PRINT"PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE."
5160 IF INKEY*=""(HEN 5160
5170 RETURN
5180 REM
5190 REM -
5200 REM ** GO UP STAIRS **
5210 REM -
5220 REM
5230 SPRITE STOP
5240 FOR SU=1 TO 3
5250 MY=MY—6
5260 GOSUB 6210
5270 MX=MX—7
5280 NEXT SU
5290 SPRITE ON
5300 RETURN
5310 KEM -
5320 REM ** GO DOWN STAIRS **
5330 REM -
5340 SPRITE STOP
5350 FOR D=1 TO 3
5360 MX=MX+7
5370 GOSUB 6230
5380 MY=MY+6
5390 NEXT D
5400 SPRITE ON
5410 RETURN
5420 REM -
5430 REM ** JUMP OVER GAP **
5440 REM -
5450 REM
5460 IF MY=87 AND MX>25 AND MX<35 THEN GOSUB 5820:RETURN
5470 IF MY=87 AND MX>185 AND MX<195 THEN GOSUB 5820:RETURN
5480 IF MY=37 AND MX>85 AND MX<95 THEN GOSUB 5820:RETURN
5490 IF MY=37 AND MX>135 AND MX<145 THEN GOSUB 5820:RETURN
5500 IF MY=87 AND MX>50 AND MX<60 THEN GOSUB 6040:RETURN
5510 IF MY=87 AND MX>210 AND MX<220 THEN GOSUB 6040:RETURN
5520 IF MY=37 AND MX>110 AND MX<120 THEN GOSUB 6040:RETURN
5530 IF MY=37 AND MX>160 AND MX<170 THEN GOSUB 6040:RETURN
5540 REM
5550 REM -
5560 REM ** JUMP OVER SPIDERS **
5570 REM -
5580 REM
5590 SPRITE STOP
5600 FOR UP=1 TO 6
5610 MY=MY-3
240 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
5620 GOSUB 6230
5630 GOSUB 4060
5640 NEXT UP
5650 FOR D=1 TO 6
5660 MY=MY+3
5670 GOSUB 6230
5680 GOSUB 4060
5690 NEXT D
5700 SPRITE ON
5710 RETURN
5720 REM
5730 REM -
5740 REM ** JUMP GAP ROUTINE **
5750 REM --
5760 REM
5770 REM
5780 REM -
5790 REM ** JUMP TO RIGHT **
5800 REM -
5810 REM
5820 MY^HY-6
5830 GOSUB 6230
5840 MX=MX+8
5850 GOSUB 6230
5860 MY=MY-6
5870 GOSUB 6230
5880 MX=MX+8
5890 GOSUB 6230
5900 MX=MX-*-8
5910 GOSUB 6230
5920 MY=MY+6
5930 GOSUB 6230
5940 MX=MX+8
5950 GOSUB 6230
5960 MY-MY+6
5970 GOSUB 6230
5980 RETURN
5990 REM
6000 REM -
6010 REM ** JUMP TO LEFT **
6020 REM -
6030 REM
6040 MY=MY—6
6050 GOSUB 6210
6060 MX=MX—8
6070 GOSUB 6210
6080 MY=MY-6
6090 GOSUB 6210
6100 MX=MX—8
6110 GOSUB 6210
6120 MX=MX—8
6130 GOSUB 6210
6140 MY=MY+6
6150 GOSUB 6210
6160 MX=MX—8
6170 GOSUB 6210
6180 MY=MY+6
6190 GOSUB 6210
6200 RETURN
6210 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,3
6220 RETURN
6230 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,2
6240 RETURN
6250 REM
6260 REM -
6270 REM * YOU’VE BEEN VAPOURISED
6280 REM -
6290 REM
6300 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),4,3
6310 FOR X=1 TO 60:NEXT X
6320 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY>,15,3
6330 FOR X=1 TO 50:NEXT X
6340 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),11,3
6350 FOR X=1 TO 60:NEXT X
6360 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),15,3
6370 FOR X=1 TO 50:NEXT X
6380 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),6,3
6390 FOR X=1 TO 50:NEXT X
6400 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),15,3
6410 FOR X=1 TO 50:NEXT X
6420 PUT SPRITE 1,(MX,MY),13,3
6430 GOSUB 4710
6440 RETURN
QL Memoire
by AWH Perkins
This is a memory game for two players
using joysticks or cursor keys. A'board'
consisting of 10 x 9 blocks is set up,
representing 45 pairs of picture cards.
You take turns to turn up two cards,
keep them if they match, and then get
anotherturn. Atthe end ofthe game, the
player with most cards wins.
It is recommended that you play the
game using joysticks. If you use the
keyboard, then press the space bar to
select a card. Turns are indicated by a
red or blue joystick on either side ofthe
screen.
100 REMark QL Memoire By A W H Perkins
110 REMark A "text-less" Memory Game...
120 REMark Should run in TV & Monitor Modes...
130 REMark Containing 45 different, full colour pictures!
140 REMark Version 1.0
150 MODE 8:RANDOMISE RND(1TO 10000)
160 WINDOW 512,256,0,0:PAPER 0:CLS
170 WINDOW 320,185,95,0:BORDER 1,7:INK 7
180 WIND0W#2,320,185,95,0:PAPER#2,O:INK#2,7:BORDER#2,1,7
190 0PEN#4,con_320x70a95x185:PAPER#4,O:INK#4,7:CLS#4
200 0PEN#5,con_68x68a145x187:SCALE#5,68,O,0
210 0PEN#6,con_68x68a285x187:SCALE#6,68,0,0
220 0PEN#7,con_60x 255a33xO:PAPER#7,O:CLS#7:SCALE#7,255,0,0:0VER#7,-1
230 OPEN#8,con_60x255a416x0:PAPER#8,O:CLS#8:SCALE#8,255,O,O:0VER#8,-1
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THE NEWBRAIN FILES
A completely new book all about the
NewBrain & its graphics & the 25 device
drivers & all 80 operating system Z-calls
with their parameters & now to get them
& the most from the BASIC & now the
paged memory works & CP/M’s BIOS &
why VIDEOTEXT & all the other things
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The NewBrain Files
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136 pages A5 size ISBM 0 948152
00 1 (c) 1985 Vitagraph Ltd.
Vitagraph Ltd
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Bromley, Kent
BR13PE
AUGUST 1985 PC W 241
MICROMART
Faster BASIC
The BASIC Tuning Kit is a diagnostic
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The report it produces contains a
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The BASIC Tuning Kit is £49.45
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ADD A DISK DRIVE FACILITY
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AMSTRAD 464
MAGIC PEN: By itself, probably the ultimate
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Full or alternative line, plus program subroutine
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THE ARTISTS EASEL: Now with airbrush +
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including Ribbons, Fanfold and Roll Paper,
Continuous Labels, Dust Covers etc.
FREE Brochure and Discount Order
Forms.
DATATECH LTD (PCW)
8 BELLINGHAM CLOSE
BURY
LANCS BL8 2TU
Tel: 061-764 5579
PROGRAM FILE
240
udg:DIM gr(10,9),ca(45),pik(2),sc(2):play=2
•
250
FOR f=lTO 45:ca(f)=0
260
REPeat Loopl
270
xx=RND(1T0 lO):yy=RND(1T0 9)
•
280
IF gr (xx,yy)< >0:GO TO 270
290
rr=RND(1T0 45):ca(rr)*ca(rr)+l:IF ca(rr)>2:G0 TO 290
300
gr(xx,yy)=rr
•
310
FOR k=lTO 45
320
IF ca(k)>=2:NEXT k:EXIT Loopl
330
k=45
•
340
END REPeat Loop 1
350
f i 11 s: sc (1) =0: sc (2) =0
•
360
stick(7)
•
370
REPeat main loop
380
p1ay=(NOT(pi ay—1))+l:xxx=0:yyy=0
•
390
FOR pick=lTO 2
•
400
OVER — 1: CURSOR 0,0:CSIZE 1, 1: x7.= l: y7.= l: CURSOR (x7.-l) *32+9, (y7.-l) *20
+2:PRINT CHR*(33)
•
410
REPeat s loop
•
420
k7.=KEYR0W(l )
430
IF k7=0:NEXT s loop
•
440
CURSOR (x 7.-1) *32+9, (y7.-1) *20+2: PR I NT CHR* (33)
•
450
IF k7.&&2:x7.=x7.-l
460
IF k7.&&4: y7.=y7.-l
•
470
IF k7.8c& 16: x7.=x7.+1
•
480
IF k7.&&128: y7.=y7.+1
490
IF x7.>10:x7.= 10
•
500
IF x7.<l:x7.= l
•
510
IF yX>9:y7.=9
520
IF y7.<l:y*Z=l
•
530
IF k7.&&64
•
540
IF gr (x7., y7.) =00R (xxx=x7. AND yyy=y7.) : BEEP 10000, 1000: GO TO 560:ELSE
EXIT 5_1oop
•
550
END IF
•
560
CURSOR (x7.-l)*32+9, (y7.-l ) *20+2: PRINT CHR*(33>
570
END REPeat s_loop
•
580
OVER 0: BLOCK 27, 15, (x7.-1 ) *32+3, (y 7.-1 ) *20+3, 0
•
590
card pick+4,gr(x7, y’/.) :pik(pick) =gr (x%, y%) : IF pick = l:xxx=x7.: yyy=y7
600
NEXT pick
•
610
IF pik (l)=pik(2)
•
620
gr ( x x x , yyy ) =0 : gr ( x 7., y7. ) =0
630
sc ( p1 ay ) =sc ( p1 ay )+2: OVER# ( p1 ay+6 ) ,0
•
640
FOR k=lTO sc(play)
•
650
INK#(piay+6),(k MOD 2)+1 : LINE#(piay+6),0,(k-1 ) *2T0 50,(k-l)*2
660
NEXT k : OVER#(piay+6), — 1
•
670
IF sc ( 1 > +sc(2)=90:end game
•
680
p1ay= ( NOT ( p1 ay-1 ))+ 1
690
END IF
•
700
FOR kk=lTO 2000:NEXT kk
•
710
FOR kk=lTO 160:SCR0LL#4,1
720
fills
•
730
IF pik(l)=pik(2):GO TO 750
•
740
stick(7):stick(8)
a
750
END REPeat main loop
£
w
760
DEFine PROCedure fills
770
FILL 0:FOR aa=lTO lO
780
FOR bb=lTO 9
790
IF gr(aa,bb)=0:BLOCK 27,15,(aa-1)*32+3,(bb-1)*20+3,0:GO TO 810
800
BLOCK 27,15,(aa-1)*32+3,(bb-1)*20+3,1,2
•
810
NEXT bb:NEXT aa
•
820
END DEFine fills
830
DEFine PROCedure udg
•
840
ob=PEEK_L (167722):nb=RESPR(875)
•
850
FOR m=OTO 875STEP 4
860
POKE_L nb+m,PEEK_L(ob+m):NEXT m
•
870
POKE_L 167722,nb:RESTORE 900
•
880
READ a:cb=nb+10+(a—32)*9
890
FOR d=lTO 9:READ e:POKE cb+d,e
•
900
DATA 33,124,68,68,84,68,68,124,0,0,0
•
910
END DEFine udg
920
DEFine PROCedure end_game
•
930
stick(piay+6)
•
940
IF sc (lXsc (2) :ss=sc (1) :c=8 : ELSE ss=sc(2):c=7
950
ss=ss*2:IF ss<=0:GO TO 970
•
960
FOR k=1TO ss:SCR0LL#7,1:SCR0LL#8,1
•
970
f1ag (c)
980
CSIZE 0,1:AT 5,0:PRINT"Enter for another game ..."
•
990
INPUT i ♦: IF RND>.5:RUN :ELSE RANDOMISE RND(1T0 4000):RUN
•
lOOO END DEFine end_game
1010 DEFine PROCedure flag(v)
•
1020 IF v=7 : v=137482 : ELSE v=137578
•
1030 RESTORE llOO
1040 FOR k=OTO 12
•
1050 FOR j=OTO 11
•
1060 READ a
1070 POKE ( j + ( k * 128 )+ v ) ,a
•
1080 NEXT j : NEXT k
•
1090 v=v—257 : FOR k=OTO 45:P0KE (k*128)+v,15:POKE ( k*128)=128,0:NEXT k
1100 DATA 32,181,0,85,128,232,0,0,0,0,0,0,8,173,0,85,130,235,0,0,0,0,0,
•
•
1110 DATA 0,106,128,213,130,235,0,64,0,0,0,0,0,86,8,173,136,237,0,64,0,
0,0,
0
•
1120 DATA 0,170,0,170,128,229,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,85,160,250,32,180,0,0,0,0,0
#
1130 DATA 8,94,8,173,8,173,0,85,128,233,0,85,130,235,0,85,2,168,8,94,32
•
, 181
,0,80
w
1140 DATA 0,0,0,0,32,202,0,168,0,85,0,0,0,0,0,2,32,182,0,170,0,168,0,0
1150 DATA 0,0,0,2,32,211,32,122,128,229,0,0,0,0,0,0,8,94,2,87,2,171,0,8
•
1160 DATA 0,0,0,0,2,43,0,85,32,122,128,229
1170 END DEFine flag
•
•
1180 DEFine PROCedure stick(z)
1190 INK#z,(z-6):LINE#z,2,226T0 2,222T0 40,222TO 40,228:ARC#z,40,226T0
32,231,2:LINE#z,32,231TO 10,231 : ARC#z,2,226T0 10,231,-2
•
•
1200 LINE#z,15,232T0 24,255T0 31,255T0 26,232
1210 INK#z,z—3
1220 END DEFine stick
•
•
1230 DEFine PROCedure card(ch,cc)
•
1240 INK#ch,7:FILL#ch,0
•
242 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
1250 SELect ON cc
1260 =1:RESTORE 1560:=2:RESTORE 1610:=3:RESTORE 1630:=4:RESTORE 1670
1270 =5:RESTORE 1710:=6:RESTORE 1730:=7:RESTORE 1760:=8:RESTORE 1780
1280 =9:RESTORE 1810:=10:RESTORE 1830:=11:RESTORE 1860:=12:RESTORE 1880
1290 =13:Memo!re:GO TO 1510:=14:RESTORE 1970:=15:RESTORE 2000:=16:RESTO
RE 2020
1300 =17:RESTORE 2040:=18:RESTORE 2060:=19:RESTORE 2080:=20:RESTORE 210
0
1310 =21:RESTORE 2120:=22:RESTORE 2140:=23:RESTORE 2160:=24:RESTORE 219
O
1320 =25:RESTORE 2210:=26:RESTORE 2230:=27:RESTORE 2260:=28:RESTORE 228
0
1330 =29:RESTORE 2300:=30:RESTORE 2320:=31:RESTORE 2350:=32:RESTORE 237
0
1340 =33:RESTORE 2390:=34:RESTORE 2410:=35:RESTORE 2430:=36:RESTORE 245
O
1350 =37:RESTORE 2470:=38:RESTORE 2500:=39:RESTORE 2520:=40:RESTORE 254
0
1360 =41:CLEF:GO TO 1510:=42:RESTORE 2650:=43:RESTORE 2670:=44:RESTORE
2700:=45:pass:GO TO 1510
1370 END SELect
1380 REPeat loop
1390 READ a:IF a= 8 :FILL#ch,1:NEXT loop
1400 IF a=l1:READ b,c,d,e,f:CIRCLE#ch,b,c,d,e,f:NEXT loop
1410 IF a= 88 :FILL#ch,O:NEXT loop
1420 IF a=999:EXIT loop
1430 READ b,c,d,e
1440 IF a=9
1450 I NK#ch, b^OINT#ch, c , d: NEXT loop
1460 END IF
1470 IF a=10:READ f:ARC#ch,b,c TO d,e,f:NEXT loop
1480 INK#ch,a:LINE#ch,b,c TO d,e
1490 END REPeat loop
1500 IF cc=l:INK#ch,3:CURSOR#ch,10,8:PRINT#ch,"CHAD"
1510 BORDER#ch,1,1:BORDER#ch:PAPER#ch,0
1520 IF cc=44:REC0L#ch,1,2,3,4,5, 6 ,7,O
1530 END DEFine card
1540 REMark DATA for pictures...
1550 REMark Chad
1560 DATA 8,2,0,O,50,O,2,50,0,50,25,2,50,25,0,25,2,0,25,0,0,88,7,0,0,50
,0,7,0,5,50,5,7,0,10,50,10,7,0,15,50,15,7,0,20,50,20,7,0,25,50,25
1570 DATA 7,0,0,0,25,7,50,0,50,25,7,40,0,40,5,7,30,0,30,5,7,20,0,20,5,7
,10,0,10,5,7,5,5,5,10,7,15,5,15,10,7,25,5,25,10,7,35,5,35,10,7,45,5,45,
10
1580 DATA 7,10,10,10,15,7,20,10,20,15,7,30,10,30,15,7,40,10,40,15,7,5,1
5,5,20,7,15,15,15,20,7,25,15,25,20,7,35,15,35,20,7,45,15,45,20,7,10,20,
10,25,7,20,20,20,25,7,30,20,30,25,7,40,20,40,25
1590 DATA 2,15,26,15,31,2,35,26,35,30,10,15,30,35,30,-3.142,-8,0,21,25,2
1,19,10,21,19,29,19,3.142,0,29,19,29,25,0,29,25,21,25,88,9,5,20,32,0,9,
5,30,32,0,999
1600 REMark Red Cross
1610 DATA 8,7,O,20,50,20,7,50,20,50,50,7,50,50,0,50,7,O,50,0,20,8,2,22,
20,27,20,2,27,20,27,50,2,27,50,22,50,2,22,50,22,20,8,2,O,32,50,32,2,50,
32,50,37,2,50,37,0,37,2,0,37,0,32,88,999
1620 REMark Tank ^
1630 DATA 8,4,15,40,32,40,4,32,40,32,37,4,32,37,35,37,4,35,37,35^32,4,3
5,32,32,32,4,32,32,32,30,4,32,30,15,30,4,15,30,15,32,4,15,32,12,o2,4,12
,32,12,37,4,12,37,15,37,4,17,37,15,40,88
1640 DATA 5,35,35,50,35,4,5,29,0,26,4,0,26,0,20,4,0,20,5,16,4,5,16,5,21
,4,5,21,45,21,4,45,21,45,16,4,45,16,50,20,4,50,20,50,26,4,50,26,45,29,4
45 29 5 29
1650 DATA 4,10,19,40,19,4,42,18,42,15,4,40,14,10,14,4,8,15,8,18,2,12,16
,38,16,999
1660 REMark Harry „ , „ „
1670 DATA 8,6,15,52,15,62,6,15,63,18,68,6,18,68,32,68,6,02,68,35,6^,6,.
5, 62, 35, 52, 6 ,35, 52, 43, 52, 6 , 43,52', 43,50, 6 ,43, 50,7,50,6, 7,50, 7,52, 6 , 7,52,
15,52,6,15,52,15,63,8,6,16,48,25,48,6,25,48,25,45,6,25,45,33,45,6,33,45
1680 4 DATA 6,33,40,30,36,6,30,36,20,36,6,20,36,16,40^6,16,40,16,48,86,1
.2,32,17,35,6,17,35,27,35,6,27,35,37,30,6,37,30,37,15,6,37,lo,30,10,6,30
,10,18,10,6,18,10,12,15,6,12,15,12,32
1690 DATA 8,0, 20, 28,17, 22,0, 17, 22, 23, 15,0, 23,15, 26, 17,0, 26, 17,21,2
1,24,20,28,88,0,23,27,20,21,999
1700 REMark QL =
1710 DATA 7,5,10,5,55,7,5,55,20,55,7,20,55,20,10,7,20,10,5,10,8,7,25,5,
20,5,7,20,5,12,18,7,12,18,15,14,7,15,14,25,5,88,7,28,55,28,10,7,28,10,4
O,10,999
1720 REMark House ^ ^ D , c- ri s
1730 DATA 8,4,0,0,50,0,4,50,0,50,20,4,50,20,0,20,4,0,20,0,0,8,1,50,20,5
0,68,1,50,68,0,68,1,0,68,0,20,1,0,20,50,20,8,7,10,5,40,5,7,40,5,40,30,7
,40,30,10,30,7,10,30,10,5,8,2,5,30,44,30,2,44,30,40,37,2,40,37,10,37,2,
1740 DATA 8,0,20,4,20, 15,0,20, 15,28, 15,0,28, 15,28, 4, 8 ,0, 12, 20,
2,27,20,27,0,20,27,20,20,8,0,28,20,28,27,0,28,27,36,27,0,36,27,36,20,88
,999
^60 DATA r 8,4?0%,50,0,4,50,0,50,25,4,50 25,0,25,4,0 25 0^0 8,5 0^25 50
,25,5,50,25,50,68,5,50,68,0,68,5,0,68,0,0,8,0,15,0,22,25,0,22,25,26,2 ,
0,26,25,32,0,0,32,0,15,0,88,999
1770 REMark Ghost _ 1rtC r i o 17 7 14
1780 DATA 7,0,0,0,0,10,5,40,45,40,-3.142,7 5 40 5,17,10,5,17,12,17,3^1
,10,12,17,19,14,10,19,17,26,17,3.14,10,26,17,33,17,3.14,10,33,17,4
1000 REhdrk Skill 1 . , 97 a 35- 17*
1810 DATA 8,6,17,27,17,35,10,17,35,30,35 -5.4,6 30,35 30,^7,6,30^5 ,
35,88,0,38,55,38,30,8,11,19,47,4,1,81,8, 1,31,47,4,1,81,8,0,21,38,.4,
,0,24,43,27,38,0,27,38,21,38,88,0,17,27,17,35,999
1820 REMark Castle of Terror
40,5,1,11,8,39,8,8,1,21,8,21,16 1,27,8,21,8,1,21,16,27,16,8
1840 DATA 10,21,16,27,16,-3. 14, 1,27, 16,-//,«, ,
32,34,32,999
8,1,16,32,34,32,999
1850 REMark Ax
1860 DATA
O, 10,20
MICROMART
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SOFTWARE
_I Full range of WP, spreadsheet and database
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£299, Sage Accounts £249, Supercalc II £145
PRINTERS
lAII the leading printers supplied. We specialise
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■ ■ ... J We supply a full range of plotters from A4 —
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1 THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFERS! 1
★ Shinwa CPA 80
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Please add £2.00 to the above prices if required in “SEE 10”
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UNLABELLED DISKS from the above manufacturers at EVEN
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FANFOLD PAPER
11" X 9.5" £9.75. A4 Clean Edge
£11.69 2,000 sheets/box. All sizes available. Delivery £2.25
(fixed) + £1 per box LABELS from £1.70 per 1000
RIBBONS — All types available at low prices, eg Juki 6100 99p,
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PRINTWHEELS from £3.79. Delivery 95p (any quantity
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A.M.A COMPUTER SYSTEMS
& SUPPLIES
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IS YOUR IBM PC SECURE?
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Logitech
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£49
(01J-794 5441
310 Finchley Rd, Hampstead, LONDON NW3
AUGUST 1985 PC W 243
MICROMART
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Tel: (0274) 731967
MEGABUFFER
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Telephone (0903) 213131 West Sussex, BN14 8ND
DAISY WRITER 2000
THE PRINTER THAT THINKS IT’S A COMPUTER
IBM compatibility to the letter with the highest quality print to
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DAISYWRITER 2000 comes complete with a unique universal
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How does the most intelligent letter quality printer in the world
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investment, rated at 40cps, that don’t offer half of the
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The key is THROUGHPUT
HIGH SPEED THROUGHPUT is accomplished by utilising a large-
buffer memory (48K) and special firmware The DAISYWRITER
2000 zips along at up to 200cps through all “white space", with
paper and carriage moving simultaneously, thus increasing
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DAISYWRITER 2000 gives full compatibility with:
IBM DISPLAYWRITE II, WORDCRAFT, WORDSTAR and
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In fact, with over 100 internal word processing commands
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PROGRAM FILE
,27,55,27,5,2,27,5,31,5,2,31,5,31,55,2,31,55,27,55,88,4,30,44,30,50,999
1870 REMark Circlesl , ^ ^ .
1880 DATA 8,1,0,0,50,0,1,50,0,50,68,1,50,68,0,68,1,0,68,0,0,8,6,0,0,0,0
,11,26,33,20,1,PI,8,2,0,0,0,0,11,26,33,14,1,PI,8,5,O,O,O,O,11,26,33,8,1
,PI,8,3,0,0,0,0,11,26,33,4,1,PI,88,999
1890 REMark Memoire
1900 DEFine PROCedure Memoire
1910 RESTORE 1950:FOR k=lTO 7
1920 READ a$:INK#ch,k:CURSOR#ch,2+k-Mk-1) *7 ,2+(k-1)*9:PRINT#ch,a*:NEXT
k
1930 INK#ch,7
1940 END DEFine Memoire
1950 DATA "M", "E", "M", "O","I","R","E"
1960 REMark Blocks . „ „ ^ ^
1970 DATA 8,4,O,O,50,0,4,50,0,50,68,4,50,68,0,68,4,0,68,0,0,8,2,25,0,50
,0,2,50,0,50,57,2,50,57,25,57,2,25,57,25,0,8,5,0,0,20,0,5,20,0,20,16,5,
20,16,0,16,5,0,16,0,0,8,1,11,10,30,10,1,30,10,30,22,1,30,22,11,22,1,11,
22,11,10
1980 DATA 8,3,34,0,50,18,3,50,18,22,62,3,22,62,6,50,3,6,50,34,0,88,999
1990 REMark Sword ^ _
2000 DATA 8,2,20,68,26,68,2,26,68,26,55,2,26,55,33,55,2,33,uj,oj,^ 0,2,3
3,50,13,50,2,13,50,13,55,2,13,55,20,55,2,20,55,20,68,8,6,18,48,22,0,6,2
2,0,28,48,6,28,48,18,48,88,6,22,0,22,40,999
2010 REMark Club
2020 DATA 8,4,0,O,50,0,4,50,O,50,68,4,50,68,O,68,4,0,68,O,O,8,O,19,10,^
2,10,0,32,10,28,24,0,28,24,23,24,0,23,24,19,10,8,11,26,52,11,1»PI»8» Hi
37,32,11,1,PI,8,11,14,32,11,1,PI,88,999
2030 REMark Heart
2040 DATA 8,2,25,4,10,35,2,10,35,40,35,2,40,35,25,4,8,10,10,35,25,3^,-4
,8,10,25,33,40,35,-4,88,999
2050 REMark Spade
2060 DATA 8,3,O,O,50,O,3,50,O,50,68,3,50,68,O,68,3,O,68,O,O,8,O,20,10,3
O,10,0,30,10,25,30,0,25,30,20,10,8,0,26,67,10,35,0,10,35,40,35,0,40,35,
26.67.8.10.10.35.25.37.4.8.10.26.37.40.35.4.88.999
2070 REMark Diamond
2080 DATA 8,2,25,4,45,30,2,45,30,25,59,2,25,59,5,30,2,5,30,25,4,88,999
2090 REMark Star of David
2100 DATA 8,6,5,10,50,40,6,50,40,17,40,6,17,40,5,10,8,6,0,40,45,10,6,45
,10,32,40,6,32,40,O,40,8,6,25,57,5,10,6,5,10,37,30,6,37,30,25,57,88,999
2110 REMark Diode
2120 DATA 8,5,O,O,50,0,5,50,O,50,68,5,50,68,0,68,5,0,68,O,O,8,O,15,20,3
5,20,0,35,20,35,25,0,35,25,15,25,0,15,25,15,20,88,0,15,40,35,40,0,35,40
,25,25,O,25,25,15,40,11,25,31,18,1,PI,O,25,O,25,68,999
2130 REMark Box
2140 DATA 8,5,5,10,35,10,5,35,10,35,20,5,35,20,lO,20,5,lO,20,10,40,5,10
,40,5,40,5,5,40,5,10,8,3,35,10,40,20,3,40,20,40,50,3,40,50,10,50,3,10,5
O,5,40,3,5,40,35,40,3,35,40,35,1O,8,2,1O,21,35,21,2,35,21,35,39,2,35,39
,10,39,2,10,39,10,21,88,999
2150 REMark Tennis
21,60 DATA 8,7,24,O,26,O,7,26,O,26,30,7,26,30,24,30,7,24,30,24,O,88,11,2
4,50,17,PI/5,0,88,9,7,23,31,0,9,7,26,31,0,2,18,35,18,64,2,25,34,25,67,2
,31,33,31,64,2,17,60,34,60,2,16,50,34,50,2,18,42,31,42,2,21,38,29,38
2170 DATA 2,17,46,33,46,2,17,55,33,55,2,21,64,31,64,2,22,66,22,36,2,28,
66.28.36.999
2180 REMark Boat
2190 DATA 8,4,1,30,50,30,4,50,30,36,15,4,36,15,7,15,4,7,15,1,30,8,2,19,
30,19,68,2,19,68,22,68,2,22,68,22,30,2,22,30,19,30,8,5,24,55,24,38,5,24
,38,37,38,5,37,38,24,55,8,5,17,65,17,38,5,17,38,2,38,5,2,38,17,65,88,99
9
2200 REMark Pale
2210 DATA 6,10,34,17,8,11,25,34,15,.2,PI/2,10,17,8,33,8,1.2,6,33,8,40,3
4,10,10,34,40,34,-3.4,999
2220 REMark Arrows
2230 DATA 3,22,45,28,45,3,28,45,28,51,3,30,51,25,58,3,25,58,20,51,3,22,
51,22,45,3,35,32,40,32,3,40,30,47,35,3,47,35,40,40,3,40,38,35,38,3,35,3
8,35,32,3,15,32,10,32,3,10,30,3,35,3,3,35,10,40,3,10,38,15,38,3,15,38,1
5,32
2240 DATA 3,22,25,28,25,3,28,25,28,20,3,30,20,25,13,3,25,13,20,20,3,22,
20.22.25.999
2250 REMark Longbow
2260 DATA 2,25,60,42,33,2,42,33,25,5,10,25,60,26,5,2,8,4,37,34,44,34,4,
44 f 34,44,32,4,44,32,37,32,4,37,32,37,34,88,4,38,33,6,33,8,4,6,33,12,36,
4.12.36.12.30.4.12.30.6.33.88.999
2270 REMark Muncher
2280 DATA 6,0,0,0,0,8,10,6,45,41,25,-3.2,6,6,45,41,25,8,10,6,25,41,45,3
. 2 , 6,6,25,41,45,0,0,0,0,0,8,11,28,44,5,1,PI,88,999
2290 REMark Globe
2300 DATA 5, O, O, O, O, 11,25,34, 20, 1, PI, 11,25, 34,20, . 7, PI /2, 11,25, 34,20, . 3
,PI/2,11,25,34,20,.6,PI,11,25,34,20,.3,PI,999
2310 REMark Rainbow
2320 DATA 8,1,0,34,50,34,1,50,34,50,68,1,50,68,0,68,1,O,68,0,34,0,O,O,0
,0,8,11,25,34,23,1,0,8,1,0,0,0,0,11,25,34,11,1,0,88,11,25,34,13,1,0,3,0
,0,0,0,11,25,34,15,1,0,4,0,0,0,0,11,25,34,17,1,0,5,0,0,0,0,11,25,34,19,
1,0
2330 DATA 6,0,0,0,0,11,25,34,21,1,0,1,0,0,0,0,11,25,34,23,1,0,8,4,0,32,
50,32,4,50,32,50,0,4,50,0,0,0,4,0,0,0,32,88,7,4,56,4,46,7,8,56,8,50,8,1
1,11,61,8,.4,PI/2,999
2340 REMark Dice
2350 DATA 4,2,20,23,20,4,23,20,23,45,4,23,45,2,45,4,2,45,2,20,4,26,20,4
8, 20, 4, 48, 20, 48, 45, 4,48, 45, 26, 45, 4,26, 45,26, 20, 5, O, O, O, O, 8, 11, 13, 32, 2, 1
,0,8,8,11,32,40,2,1,0,8,11,44,40,2,1,0,8,11,32,25,2,1,0,8,11,44,25,2,1,
0,88,999
2360 REMark Sine Wave
2370 DATA 6,7,20,7,45,6,0,32,50,32,4,0,0,0,0,10,8,31,28,31,-3.4,10,28,3
0,49,30,PI,999
2380 REMark Traffic Lights
2390 DATA 7,18,20,32,20,7,32,20,32,60,7,32,60,18,60,7,18,60,18,20,7,24,
0,24,20,7,26,0,26,20,2,0,0,0,0,8,11,26,52,5,1,0,6,0,0,0,0,8,11,26,40,5,
1,0,4,0,0,0,0,8,11,26,28,5,1,0,999
2400 REMark Uneven Road
2410 DATA 8,2,0,10,25,55,2,25,55,51,10,2,51,10,0,10,8,7,8,14,25,47,7,25
,47,42,14,7,41,14,7,14,8,0,15,18,35,18,0,35,18,35,21,0,35,21,15,21,0,15
,21,15,18,8,10,17,20,23,20,-3.5,8,10,27,20,33,20,-3.5,88,999
2420 REMark TV
2430 DATA 8,7,0,10,50,10,7,50,10,50,45,7,50,45,0,45,7,0,45,0,10,8,0,8,4
2,30,42,10,30,42,29,14,-1.2,0,29,14,8,14,10,8,14,9, 42,-1.2, 8, 2, 37,14, 37
,30,2,37,30,47,30,2,47,30,47,14,2,47,14,37,14,999
2440 REMark Shapes
2450 DATA 8,1,0,0,50,0,1,50,0,50,68,1,50,68,0,68,1,0,68,0,0,8,5,10,60,1
244 PCW AUGUST 1985
MICROMART
PROGRAM FILE 1
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0,30,5,10,30,50,10,5,50,10,50,40,5,50,40,10,60,8,0,0,0,0,0,11,32,56,15,
1,0,8,3,19,54,40,4,3,40,4,5,23,3,5,23,19,54,999
2460 REMark Door
2470 DATA 8,4,0,0,50,0,4,50,0,50,10,4,50,10,0,10,4,0,10,0,0,8,5,0, 10,50
,10,5,50,10,50,68,5,50,68,0,68,5,0,68,0,10,8,7,10,10,38,10,7,38,10,38,6
0,7,38,60,10,60,7,10,60,10,10,8,0,13,13,36,13,0,36,13,36,32,0,36,32, 13,
32,0,13,32,13,13,8
2480 DATA 0,13,40,36,40,0,36,40,36,58,0,36,58,13,58,0,13,58,13,40,8,11,
33,35,3,1,0,999
2490 REMark Transistor
2500 DATA 11,25,35,15,1,0,8,7,21,27,25,27,7,25,27,25,4D,7,25,4j,^1,4j,7
,21,45,21,27,8,7,25,30,29,30,7,29,30,27,25,7,27,25,25,30,88,7,25,30,32,
23,7,20,35,0,35,7,32,23,32,0,7,25,41,34,48,7,34,48,34,68,999
2510 REMark Ok'
2520 DATA 7,22,35,22,44,10,22,44,27,44,-3,7,22,35,18,35,10,19,35,18,30,
3,10,19,30,18,25,3,10,19,25,18,20,3,10,19,20,18,15,3,7,18,15,50,20,7,18
,30,23,30,7,18,25,23,26,7,18,20,23,21,7,18,15,23,17,9,0,16,30,0,7,27,44
,27,35,7,27,35,30,31,7,30,31,50,31,999
2530 REMark Jaws!'!
2540 DATA 4,50,40,17,60,10,17,60,11,55,3,4,11,55,44,25,4,44,25,10,10,10
,10,10,13,5,3,4,13,5,50,13,2,0,0,0,0,11,46,34,2,1,0,999
2550 REMark Treble Clef
2560 DEFine PRQCedure CLEF
2570 PAPER#ch,5:CLS#ch:INK#ch,0:PAPER#ch,0:SCALE#ch,25,0,0:LINE#ch,9,10
2580 ARC_R#ch TO 0,4.5,-PI
2590 ARC_R#ch TO 0,-6,-PI TO -3,7,-3*PI/4
2600 LINE_R#ch TO 5,7:ARC_R#ch TO -2,0,PI
2610 LINE R#ch TO 0,-18
2620 FILL.#ch, 1: CIRCLE_R#ch ,-1,0, 1: FILLttch, 0: SCALE#ch ,68,0, 0
2630 END DEFine CLEF
2640 REMark Key
2650 DATA 8,5,0,0,50,0,5,50,0,50,68,5,50,68,0,68,5,0,68,0,0,8,2,0,0,0,0
,10,20,40,25,40,-5.8,8,5,0,0,0,0,11,22,50,6,1,0,8,2,20,40,20,5,10,20,5,
25,5,4,2,25,5,33,5,2,33,5,33,10,2,33,10,27,10,2,27,10,27,15,2,27, 15,33,
15,2,33,15,33,20,2,33,20,25,20,2,25,20,25,40,88,999
2660 REMark Numero Uno
2670 DATA 8,3,5,3,45,3,3,45,3,45,10,3,45,10,30,10,3,30,10,30,65,3,30,65
,20,65,3,20,65,10,55,3,10,55,20,55,3,20,55,20,10,3,20,10,5,10,3,5,10,5,
3,88
2680 DATA 5,5,3,45,3,5,45,3,45,10,5,45,10,30,10,5,30,10,30,65,5,30,65,2
0,65,5,20,65,10,55,5,10,55,20,55,5,20,55,20,10,5,20,10,5,10,5,5,10,5,3,
999
2690 REMark Tick! 1 !
2700 DATA 4,0,0,0,0,10,5,25,23,5,-1.2,10,23,5,50,58,-.7,10,50,58,19,22,
1.2,10,5,25,20,22,-2,999
2710 REMark Passage
2720 DEFine PRQCedure pass
2730 BORDER#ch,7,2:PAPER#ch,3:CLS#ch:BORDER#ch,5:PAPER#ch,4:CLS#ch:BORD
ER#ch,10:FAPER#ch,5:CLS#ch:BORDER#ch,15:PAPER#ch,6:CLS#ch:BORDER#ch
2740 END DEFine pass
1
Spectrum Nighthawk
Y by Richard Whitfield
Nighthawkisagameforthe48kSinclair Full instructions are included in the
Spectrum that involves flying a combat program, which includes a high-score
helicopter to destroy tanks before fuel table and is written entirely in Basic,
runs out.
•
0>REM Nighthawk 1985 by R.Whitfield
Any transmitting,copylng, 1ending,hiring or broad¬
casting of this program without the author’s written co
nsent is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
1 BORDER 0: PAPER O: INK 7: BRIGHT 1: CLS
5 LET scorepos=14
6 REM DEFINE CHARACTERS
7 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "m"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 60,2,57,72,16,32,64,12
8
8 FOR f =0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "l"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 0,0, 16,. 10, 141,89,41,24
7
9 FOR f =0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR M k"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 200,81,105,36,5,0,16,2
07
10 FOR f =0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR “j"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 52,72,128,0,0,26,36,19
5
11 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "i M +f,a: NEXT f: DATA 24,60,24,24,60,36,102,
24
12 FOR f =0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "h"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 60,24,129,195,195,129,
24,60
13 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR “g"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 252,2,249,72,16,32,64,
128
14 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR M f”+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 255,0,255,102,153,153,
102,255
15 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "e"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 0,0,127,3,0,0,0,48
16 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR M d"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 63,64,159,18,8,4,2,1
17 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "c M +f,a: NEXT f: DATA 28,62,242,251,59,31,25
5,252
18 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "b"+f,a: NEXT f: DATA 24,60,126,126,126,126,
60,24
19 FOR f=0 TO 7: READ a: POKE USR "a M +f,a: NEXT f: DATA 6,9,9,9,6,0,0,0
20 REM GOTO INTRODUCTION SEQUENCE
21 GO TO 9500
30 PLOT 54,77: DRAW 179,0: DRAW 0,13: DRAW -179,0: DRAW 0,-13: PRINT AT 11,7;
INK 7J PAPER 2; FLASH 1; BRIGHT 1J” PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF M
35 FOR F=0 TO 40: BEEP 0.1,20: BEEP 0.1,15: NEXT F
40 CLS
41 REM SET UP VARIABLES & SCREEN DISPLAY
45 LET jat=0: LET time=0: LET enembe=INT (1+(359*RND)>: LET enemrng=INT (30+20
O+RND): LET k=0: LET damr=0: LET xl=70: LET x2=70: LET up=0: LET j=2: LET can=0:
LET rock=G: LET be=0: LET alt =0: LET power =0: LET spe=(power/20): LET cannon=60
OO: LET missi1e=3G: LET track=0: LET fuel=1000000-(power/2000): LET dam=G: LET d
*=“NONE": LET kill=0: LET hiki11=0: LET type=0: LET found=0
46 LET powerpos=8+(power/lOO): LET spepos=8+(spe/5): LET fuelpos=8+(fuel/lOOOO
)
47 LET dcol1=0: LET dcol2=0: LET dcol3=0: LET dcol4=0: LET dcol5=0: LET dcol6=
O: LET dcol7=0: LET dcol8=0: LET dcol9=0: LET dcol10=0: LET hozx=0: LET hozy=70
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Goto Computers Ltd.
GOTO Goto HI-TECH
AT THE BEGINNING OF
SILICON VALLEY —SLOUGH!
COMPUTERS
CANON A-200, COMMODORE PCI0 and 20, APRICOT
Fi & Fie, BBC B , AMSTRAD, etc.
PRINTERS
JUKI 6100, CANON 1080A, + 1156A, EPSON,
MANNESMAN TALLY, BROTHER, SHINWA, etc.
MONITORS
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DRIVES
OPUS, CUMANA
ACCESSORIES
3M and Elephant disks, ribbons, daisywheels, leads,
print heads, etc.
Goto HI-TECH AT SLOUGH
10 Old Crown, Windsor Road, Slough, Berks,
SL1 2DI
For the best prices in the Thames Valley
Tel: Slough (0753) 34191
WDSoftware
For the QL
WD Utilities (3rd ed) (base £5.50)
PRINT 60-file DIRectory or view it on one screen, one-key LOAD. COPY or
PRINT 60 files with one key (allows for namesakes). Multiple FORMATting to
prevent corruption by stretching of tape TOOLkit to give dated, numbered
modules in program development. PRUNE old files to release space (one key
DELETES a file). Full instructions in QUILL file. Use up to 6 EXTRA
MICRODRIVES (add on your Spectrum ones)!
Wl) Utilities for CST Disks (base £8)
100-file capacity, for CST/Compumatamate disk system AND up to 4 extra
microdrives. User-friendly timesavers
RefQL (4th ed) (base £4)
700 useful QL references in an ARCHIVE file. (Too long to share cartridge
with other software).
For Spectrum/QIVBBC
WD Morse Tutor (base £4)
From absolute beginner to beyond RYA and Amateur Radio receiving. Adjust
pitch. Set speed to your test level (4-18 wpm). Learn from single characters,
via groups with wide spaces to random sentences; decrease spacing to
normal. Write down what you hear, then CHECK on Screen or Printer (or
speech for Spectrum fitted with Currah Microspeech). Also own message,
random figures, letters or mixed.
For Spectrum 48K
Tradewind (base £4)
Sailing/trading strategy game with graphic surprises.
Jersey Quest (base £4)
Text adventure with Bergerac and the Dragon, (not disk)
Prices: find Europe postage, elsewhere add £ 1). Spectrum/BBC cassettes,
base price only. QL or Spectrum Microdrives, £2/cartridge plus base price.
5'/4' floppies. £2 plus base: 3 5" floppies. £4 plus base (SPDOS or TRDOS format
for Spectrum)
Two or more programs on one medium — pay medium plus base EG. WD Utilities
and Morse for £11.50, but IMPOSSIBLE to mix QLBBC/Spectrum programs on one
medium. Send YOUR cartridge and base price, but FORMAT it FIRST in your DRIVE 1
for compatibility
WDSoftware, Hilltop, St Mary, Jersey.
Tel: (0534) 81392
CALLING ALL
SHARP MZ-700
OWNERS
AN AUTUMN*SP*ECTACULAR
10 EXCITING GAMES AND UTILITIES
ON ONE CASSETTE
COMPENDIUM
Featuring everything from arcade style action,
games of interest, popular family games of luck and
skill to some useful utility programs.
INCLUDES
A special tutorial designed to show YOU how to write
P ames, address screen locations, Pokeing and
eeking, colour data, movement. . . and much
more. . .
+ * * *
With full colour graphics and sound, making this an
offer not to be missed . . .
AT ONLY £4.90 + 25p P&P
Only available from:
A.B.S SOFTWARE
3 DERWENT VIEW, HACKNEY
MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE DE4 3PX
Cheques made payable to A.B.S Software
AUGUST 1985 PC W 245
MICROMART
COMPUTER
MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTS
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E ... FFICIENT
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T...RY US AND SEE!
APRICOT •SIRIUS/VICTOR
IBM •COMMODORE
WIDE RANGE OF PRINTERS
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ft mi/nron cc/npurcc jmncu
ire
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BLANK CASSETTES
Guaranteed top quality computer/audio cassettes
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Packed in boxes of 10 with labels r inlay
cards and library case.
Prices include VAT, post and packing.
C5) £3.35
□ C30) £4.70
□ C60 £5.30
□ C90 £7.00
CIO £3.40
Cl2 £3.45
_ Cl5 £3.75
BASF FLOPPY DISKS
Prices of boxes of 10
□ 5Va Single side/Double density £19.95
□ 5 ] A Double side/Double density £21.85
□ 5Va Double side/Quad density £28.75
MICRO FLEXI DISKS
Price per unit
□ 3 ] /2 Single side £4.00 each
□ 31/2 Double side £4.75 each
Indicate quantity of each product required in boxes.
Free delivery UK only.
Cheque/PO Enclosed for £_
NAME
ADDRESS
profession fli
mncncTKs ltd
amA7.
Cassette House, 329 Hunslet Road, Leeds LS103YY
FREEPOST Tel: (0532) 706066 pcw
X
“O
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>
15 FULLERTON ROAD LONDON SW18 IBU
DATABASE
PROGRAMMING
3 018741898
APPLICATIONS-™ A INI NG- SUPPORT-
246 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
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48 LET prec=G: LET swe=0: LET zone=C>: LET zoneh=0: LET tpx=12+INT (3*RND)
49 LET q*=" Adolf H. M : LET q=30: LET wS="Whit Jnr.": LET w=24: LET e*="BuLLi T":
LET e=17: LET r*=“F R E D": LET r=ll: LET t*="Whit Snr.": LET t=7: LET y*="P.B.
H”: LET y=l
50 PLOT 85,10: DRAW 2,-1: DRAW 1,-1: DRAW 84,0: DRAW 1,1: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 0,116
: DRAW -1,1: DRAW -2,1: DRAW -84,0: DRAW -2,-1: DRAW -1,-1: DRAW 0,-116
55 PLOT 13,7: DRAW 10,0: DRAW 0,103: DRAW -10,0: DRAW 0,-103
56 FOR n=29 TO 70: PLOT INK 4; OVER 0;91,n: DRAW INK 4;76,0: NEXT n
57 PLOT 207,7: DRAW 46,0: DRAW 2,2: DRAW 0,46: DRAW -2,2: DRAW -46,0: DRAW -2,
-2: DRAW 0,-46: DRAW 2,-2
60 LET x*="P 0 W E R": FOR n=l TO LEN x*: PRINT AT 9+n,0; BRIGHT 1; INK 5jx*(n
): NEXT n
65 PRINT AT 8, 3; “ 10” ; AT 14,3;"5”;AT 20,3;"0": PRINT AT 6, 1; "RPM" ; AT 7,l;"xlOOO
70 PLOT 49,7: DRAW 10,0: DRAW 0,103: DRAW -10,0: DRAW 0,-103
75 LET x*="S PEED": FOR n=l TO LEN xt: PRINT AT 9+n,5j BRIGHT l; INK 5;x*(n
): NEXT n
80 PRINT AT 8,8;"50";AT 14,8;"25";AT 20,8;"0": PRINT AT 6,7;"KPH";AT 7,7;"xl0"
81 LET x*="F U E L": FOR n=l TO LEN x*: PRINT AT 9+n,23; BRIGHT l; INK 5;x*(n)
: NEXT n
85 PLOT 192,7: DRAW 10,0: DRAW 0,103: DRAW -10,0: DRAW 0,-103
90 PRINT AT 21,11; PAPER 2; INK 7; BRIGHT 1;"DAMAGE:";d*
91 PRINT AT 3,20; INK 7; PAPER 2;"A1t:";alt;" i t"
95 PLOT 206,90: DRAW 35,0: DRAW 0,-28: DRAW -35,0: DRAW 0,28
100 PRINT AT 11,26; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1;"30mm";AT 12,26; INK 7; BRIGHT l;
PAPER 2;"RNDS"
105 PLOT 182,138: DRAW 60,0: DRAW 0,-21: DRAW -21,0: DRAW 0,8: DRAW -39,0: DRAW
0, 12
110 PRINT AT 5,23; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1;"ROCKETS"
120 LET a=0: FOR n=0 TO 13: INK 1: PLOT 7+a,152+a: DRAW 95-a,10: DRAW 50,0: DRA
W 95-a,-10: LET a=a+l: NEXT n: INK 7
130 PRINT AT 3,2; INK 7; PAPER 1; BRIGHT 1;"TARGET BEAR:“;enembe;" ";AT 4,2;
INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1;"BEAR:";be;" "
131 FOR n=7 TO 107: PLOT BRIGHT 1; INK 7;l94,n: DRAW INK 7; BRIGHT 1;5,0: BEE
P 0.01,50: NEXT n
139 REM MAIN GAME LOOP
140 FOR n=0 TO 1OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
141 LET powerpos=8+(power): LET spepos=8^(spe)
142 IF IN 64510=190 AND power>5 AND alt>0 THEN LET alt=alt+10
143 IF IN 31=8 AND power>5 AND alt>0 THEN LET alt=alt+10
144 IF enembe>360 THEN LET enembe=enembe-360
150 IF power>=5 AND xl<100 AND x2<100 AND IN 31=8 THEN PLOT OVER 0; INK 4;91,
hozy: DRAW OVER 0; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl+l: LET x2=x2+l: LET hozy=h
ozy+1: LET hozx=hozx: LET alt=alt-10: LET be=be
151 IF power>=5 AND xl<100 AND x2<100 AND IN 65022=190 THEN PLOT OVER 0; INK
4;91,hozy: DRAW OVER 0; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl+l: LET x2=x2+l: LET h
ozy=hozy+l: LET hozx=hozx: LET alt=alt-10: LET be=be
152 IF power>=5 AND x1>29 AND x2>29 AND IN 64510=190 THEN PLOT OVER 1; INK 4;
91,hozy: DRAW OVER 1; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl-l: LET x2=x2-l: LET hoz
y=hozy-l: LET hozx=hozx: LET alt=alt+10: LET be=be
153 IF power>=5 AND xlClOO AND x2>29 AND IN 57342=189 THEN PLOT OVER 1; INK 4
J 91,hozy: DRAW OVER 1; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k = l: LET xl=xl: LET x2=x2-l: LET hozy
=hozy: LET hozx =hozx-1: LET be=be-l
154 IF power>=5 AND x1>29 AND x2<100 AND IN 57342=190 THEN PLOT OVER 0; INK 4
;91,hozy: DRAW OVER O; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl: LET x2=x2+l: LET hozy
=hozy: LET hozx=hozx+l: LET be=be+l
155 IF power>=5 AND x1>29 AND x2>29 AND IN 31=4 THEN PLOT OVER l; INK 4;91,ho
zy: DRAW OVER 1; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl-l: LET x2=x2-l: LET hozy=ho2
y-1: LET hozx=hozx: LET alt=alt+10: LET be=be
156 IF power>=5 AND xlClOO AND x2>29 AND IN 31=2 THEN PLOT OVER 1; INK 4;91,h
ozy: DRAW OVER 1; INK 4;76,hozx: LET k=l: LET xl=xl: LET x2=x2-l: LET hozy=hozy
: LET hozx=hoz x — 1: LET be=be 1
157 IF power>=5 AND x1>29 AND x2<100 AND IN 31=1 THEN PLOT OVER 0; INK 4;91,h
ozy: DRAW OVER O; INK 4;76,hozx: LET xl=xl: LET x2=x2+l: LET hozy=hozy: LET hoz
x=hozx+l: LET be=be+l
158 IF be<0 THEN LET be=be+360
159 IF be>360 THEN LET be=be-360
160 IF enembe>360 THEN LET enembe=enembe-360
161 IF enembe<0 THEN LET enembe=enembe+360
162 IF be>=0 AND be<=90 THEN LET zoneh=l
163 IF be>=91 AND be<=180 THEN LET zoneh=2
164 IF be>=181 AND be<=270 THEN LET zoneh=3
165 IF be>=271 AND be<=360 THEN LET zoneh=4
166 IF enembe>=0 AND enembe<=90 THEN LET zone=l
167 IF enembe>=91 AND enembe<=180 THEN LET zone=2
168 IF enembe>=181 AND enembe<=270 THEN LET zone=3
169 IF enembe>=271 AND enembe<=360 THEN LET zone=4
170 IF zonehOzone AND power >1 THEN LET enemrng=enemrng+INT ( 1 +spe*5/ (60) )
171 IF zoneh=zone AND power>1 THEN LET enemrng=enemrng-INT (1+spe*5/(60))
172 IF enemrng< =0 THEN LET enemrng=l-enemrng: LET swe=5: PRINT AT 3,14; INK 7;
PAPER l; BRIGHT 1;" ";AT 3,14; INK 7; PAPER 1; BRIGHT 1;enembe;" "
173 IF enembe>360 THEN LET enembe=enembe-360
193 IF IN 65022=187 THEN LET damr=10: LET jat=0: GO TO 6000
194 PRINT AT 16,26; INK 7; BRIGHT l; PAPER 2;"E.rng";AT 17,26;enemrng;" ":AT 18
,26;"km"
195 PRINT AT 4,7; FAPER 2; INK 7; BRIGHT l;be;" ";
196 IF IN 65022=189 THEN GO TO 6030
197 IF IN 31=1 AND power>1 AND alt>5 THEN LET be=b*+l
198 IF IN 31=2 AND alt>5 AND power>1 THEN LET be=be-l
199 IF enemrng<15 THEN PRINT AT 17,26; PAPER 2; OVER 1; FLASH 1; INK 7; BRIGHT
1; "
200 IF enemr ng >15 THEN PRINT AT 17,26; PAPER 2; OVER 1; INK 7;"
201 IF IN 57342=190 AND power>5 AND alt>5 THEN LET be=be+l
202 IF IN 57342=189 AND alt>5 AND power>1 THEN LET be=be-l
203 IF IN 57342=187 AND powerpos<108 THEN LET power=power +1: PLOT INK 7; BRIG
HT l; OVER 0; PAPER 8;15,powerpos: DRAW INK 7; BRIGHT l;5,0: LET j=l
204 IF IN 57342=183 AND powerpos>8 THEN PLOT BRIGHT 1; PAPER 9; INK 9; OVER 1
;15,powerpos-l: DRAW OVER 1; BRIGHT 1; PAPER 9;5,0: LET power=power-1: LET j=0
205 IF j=l AND spepos<108 AND spepos>=8 THEN LET alt=alt+2: LET *pe=spe+l: PLO
T INK 7; BRIGHT 1; OVER 0; PAPER 8;51,spepos: DRAW INK 7; BRIGHT l;5,0: LET j=
2
206 IF j=0 AND spepos<=108 AND spepos>=8 THEN LET alt=alt-2: PLOT INK 9; PAPE
R 9; BRIGHT 1; OVER 1;51,spepos-1: DRAW PAPER 9; OVER 1; BRIGHT l;5,0: LET spe=
spe-1: LET j=2
207 IF spepos>107 THEN LET spepos=spepos-1
208 IF power>10000 THEN LET power = 1OOOO
209 IF power>1 AND fuelpos>8 THEN LET fuelpos=fuelpos-O.1-power/2000000: FOR n
= fuelpos TO fuelpos STEP -1: PLOT INK 9; PAPER 9; OVER l;194,n: DRAW INK 9; PA
FER 9; OVER 1; BRIGHT l;5,0:: NEXT n
210 If spe>500 THEN LET power=500
211 IF darar=0 THEN GO TO 215
212 IF damr=10 THEN GO TO 6000
213 IF missl1e=0 THEN LET missile=0
215 IF fuelpos< =8 THEN GO TO 9000
216 IF power<=0 AND alt>=l THEN LET alt=alt-10: PRINT AT 20,5; INK 2; BRIGHT 1
; PAPER O; FLASH 1;" ";AT 20,0; INK 2; BRIGHT 1; PAPER O;" ": LET hozy=hozy+l:
LET hozx=hozx: BEEP 0.1,20
217 IF power=1 AND alt>=l THEN PRINT AT 20,0; INK 2; BRIGHT 0; PAPER O;" ";AT
20,5; INK 2; PAPER 0; BRIGHT O;" "
218 IF alt >=1 THEN LET up=6
219 IF power=0 AND up=0 THEN LET alt=0
220 PRINT AT 13,26;cannon
225 IF alt>370 AND alt<390 THEN PRINT AT 19,12; FLASH 1; INK 6; BRIGHT l;"max
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MICROMART
PROGRAM RLE
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radar”: BEEP 0.1,40: PAUSE 10: PRINT AT 19,12;"
226 IF al t >400 THEN PRINT AT 6,12; PAPER 2; INK 7; BRIGHT 1; FLASH lj-'enemy AA
M"; AT 7,13; INK 7; PAPER 2; FLASH 1; BRIGHT 1;"launch ": FOR n=0 TO 9: BEEP O.l,
50: NEXT n: GO TO 8950
227 IF hozy< =29 THEN LET hozy=29
228 IF hozy>=100 THEN LET hozy=100
230 PRINT AT 6,28;missi1e
235 IF alt >0 THEN PRINT AT 3,24; INK 7; PAPER 2|alti"ft "
240 IF alt<=0 AND up>3 THEN PRINT AT 3,24; INK 7; PAPER 1; FLASH l;"OTt ": P
AUSE 20: BEEP 1,30: GO TO 7900
245 IF dam=100 THEN GO TO 9350
250 PLOT OVER 0; INK 4;91,hozy: DRAW OVER 0; INK 4;76,hozx
255 IF enemrng<15 AND enembe=be THEN PRINT AT 6,12; PAPER 2; INK 7; FLASH 1; B
RIGHT l;"C.S. ON ": BEEP 0.05,40: GO TO 260
259 PRINT AT 6,12; PAPER 2; INK 7; BRIGHT 0;"C.S. OFF": GO TO 140
263 REM PRINT TANK & SET UP COMBAT SEQUENCE
264 LET hozy=70: LET hozx=0: LET xl=70: LET x2=70: LET alt=alt
265 LET at=0: PRINT AT 8,12; INK 2; BRIGHT l;"NSight on"
266 FOR n=9 TO 18: PRINT AT n,ll; PAPER 8;" ": BEEP 0.001,60: NEXT n:
LET dur=8+INT (8*RND): LET tpx=12+INT (3*RND): LET a=0: LET b=30: LET cx=16: LET
cy=l4: LET can=0: LET rock=0: LET a*=" ": LET b*="
267 LET tpy=l1 + INT (6*RND)
268 PRINT AT tpy,tpx+1; INK 2; PAPER 0;a*;AT tpy+l,tpx; INK 2; PAPER 0;b$
269 REM PRINT CROSSHAIRS
270 IF IN 64510=183 THEN LET rock=l: LET can=0
271 IF IN 65278=183 THEN LET rock=0: LET can=l
272 IF IN 63486=175 AND cx>12 THEN PRINT AT cy,cxj PAPER 8;" ": LET cx=cx-l: L
ET cy=cy: LET a=a-8: PRINT AT cy,cx; INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER 1;" "
273 IF IN 61438=175 AND cy<17 THEN PRINT AT cy,cx; PAPER 8;" ": LET cx=c:<: LET
cy=cy+1: LET b=b-8: PRINT AT cy.cx; INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER 1;" "
274 IF IN 61438=183 AND cy>9 THEN PRINT AT cy,cx; PAPER 8;" ": LET cx=cx: LET
cy=cy-l: LET b=b+8: PRINT AT cy,cx; INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER 1;" "
275 IF IN 61438=187 AND cx<19 THEN PRINT AT cy,cx; PAPER 8;" ": LET cx=cx+1: L
ET cy=cy: LET a=a+8: PRINT AT cy,cx; INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER 1;" "
276 IF enembeObe THEN LET dur=0
289 REM CANNON FIRE ROUTINE
290 IF IN 61438=190 AND can =1 AND cannonXj THEN LET at=10: LET cannon=cannon—1
OO: PRINT AT 13,26;" ";AT 13,26;cannon: FOR n=0 TO 6: PLOT INK 4; PAPER 8; 0
VER l;131,30: DRAW INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER l;a,b: BEEP 0.001,50: NEXT n: PLOT INK
4; PAPER 8; OVER 1;131,30: DRAW INK 4; PAPER 8; OVER l;a,b
291 REM MISSILE FIRE ROUTINE
292 IF IN 61438=190 AND rock=l AND missile>0 THEN LET at=10: LET missi1e=missi
le-1: PRINT AT 6,28;" "»AT 6, 28; mi ssi 1 e: FOR n=17 TO cy+1 STEP -1: PRINT AT n,c
x; INK 7; BRIGHT 1;" ”: BEEP 0.005,45: PAUSE 4: PRINT AT n,c:<; PAPER 8;" NEX
T n
293 IF at = 10 AND cy=tpy AND cx=tpx+2 THEN LET dur=0: BEEP 1,-40: BEEP 0.5,-35:
PRINT AT tpy,tpx + 1; PAPER 8;" ";AT tpy+l,tpx; INK 3;" ": LET kill=kill
+1: PRINT AT 10,12; INK 4; BRIGHT 1;"TARGET";AT 11,12; INK 4; BRIGHT 1;"DESTROYE
D": PAUSE 80: PRINT AT tpy,tpx+1; PAPER 8;" ";AT tpy+l,tpy; PAPER 8;" ";AT
10,12; PAPER 8;" "; AT n,12; PAPER 8;- •■: FOR n=0 TO 30: BEEP 0.01,
20: BEEP 0.01,24: NEXT n: GO TO 301
294 LET at=0
298 LET dur=dur-l: LET enerarng=enemrng-1
299 IF dur>0 THEN PRINT AT tpy,tpx+1; INK 2;a$;AT tpy+l,tpx; INK 2;b*: GO TO 3
09
300 IF dur=0 THEN FOR n=tpy+l TO 17: PRINT AT n-1,tpx+1; INK 2;a*;AT n,tpx; IN
K 2;b*: BEEP 0.01,0: PRINT AT n-1,tpx+1;" ";AT n,tpx;" ": NEXT n
301 FOR n=30 TO 70: PLOT INK 4;91,n: DRAW INK 4;76,0: BEEP 0.001,60: NEXT n:
LET enemrng=enemrng+17: PRINT AT 17,26; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT l;enemrng
302 LET enembe=enembe+180
303 IF enembe>360 THEN LET enembe=enembe-360
304 PRINT AT 3,14; INK 7; BRIGHT 1; PAPER 1;" ";AT 3,14; INK 7; BRIGHT l; PA
PER l;enembe;" "
305 PRINT AT 8,12; PAPER O;"
306 LET jat=0
307 GO TO 140
308 REM FLAK DAMAGE
309 LET f1ak=INT <100*RND>
310 IF f1ak=10 THEN LET dcol1=2: LET dam=dam+10
311 IF f1ak=20 THEN LET deal 2=2: LET dam=dam+10
312 IF f1ak=30 THEN LET dcol3=2: LET dam=dam+10
313 IF f1ak=40 THEN LET dcol4=2: LET dam=dam+10
314 IF f1ak=50 THEN LET dcol5=2: LET dam=dam+10
315 IF f1ak=60 THEN LET dcol6=2: LET dam=dam+10
316 IF f1ak=70 THEN LET dcol7=2: LET dam=dam+10
317 IF i 1ak=80 THEN LET dcol8=2: LET dam=dam+10
318 IF -f 1 ak=90 THEN LET dcol 9=2: LET dam=dam+10
319 IF i 1ak=100 THEN LET dcol10=2: LET dam=dam+10
320 IF dam>=100 THEN GO TO 9350
321 PRINT AT 21,18; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1;" ";AT 21,18; INK 7; BRIGHT l;
PAPER 2; dam; "7."
322 IF IN 65022=187 THEN LET damr=10: LET jat=10: GO TO 6000
350 GO TO 268
400 GO TO 140
5999 REM DRAW HELICOPTER AND SHOW DAMAGE FOR DAMAGE REVIEW
6000 IF damr=10 THEN FOR n=15 TO 20: PRINT AT n,26; INK 0; PAPER O; OVER O;"
": NEXT n: INK 7: BRIGHT 1
6001 PLOT 210,27: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 3,4: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 3,0: DR
AW 2,1: DRAW 0,2: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 1,-2: DRAW 2,-1: DRAW 2,-3: DRAW 0,-1: DRAW 7,-
1: DRAW 3,4
6002 DRAW 1,1: DRAW 2,0: DRAW -1,-6: DRAW 1,-5: DRAW -2,0: DRAW -3,3: DRAW -11,-
1: DRAW -2,-1: DRAW -8,-1: DRAW -2,-2: DRAW -3,0: DRAW -1,1: DRAW 0,2: DRAW -4,0
: DRAW -2,1
6003 PL01 209,38: DRAW 36,2
6004 PRINT AT 18,26; PAPER dcol1; OVER 1;" "
6005 PRINT AT 18,27; PAPER dcol 2; OVER l;“ ":
6006 PRINT AT 18,28; PAPER dcol3; OVER 1;" ":
6007 PRINT AT 18,29; PAPER dcol4; OVER 1;" ":
6008 PRINT AT 18,30; PAPER dcol5; OVER 1;" ":
6009 PRINT AT 17,26; PAPER dcol6; OVER 1;“ ":
6010 PRINT AT 17,27; PAPER dcol7; OVER 1;" ":
6011 PRINT AT 17,28; PAPER dcol8; OVER 1;“ ":
6012 PRINT AT 17,29; PAPER dcol9; OVER 1;" ":
6013 PRINT AT 17,30; PAPER dcol10; OVER 1;" ":
6014 BEEP 1,20: FOR n=15 TO 20: PRINT AT n,26; INK 0; PAPER 0;" »: NEXT n: L
ET damr=0
6015 IF jat=0 THEN GO TO 140
6016 IF jat=10 THEN GO TO 270
6020 BEEP 1,20: FOR n=15 TO 20: PRINT AT n,26; INK 0; PAPER 0;" ": NEXT n: L
ET damr=0: GO TO 140
6029 REM DIRECTION-FINDER ROUTINE
6030 FOR n=15 TO 20: PRINT AT n,26; INK 0; PAPER 0; OVER 0;" ": NEXT n
6031 CIRCLE 229,32,16: PLOT 229,46: DRAW 0,4: PLOT 243,32: DRAW 4,0: PLOT 229,18
: DRAW 0,-4: PLOT 216,32: DRAW -4,0
6032 IF eneabe>0 AND @ne*be<90 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW 9,9
6033 IF ene«be>91 AND enembe<180 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW 9,-9
6034 IF enembe>=181 AND enemtoe<270 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW -9,-9
6035 IF enembe>271 AND enembe<360 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW -9,9
6036 IF ene«be=180 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW 0,-9
6037 IF enembe=0 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW 0,9
6038 IF ene«be=90 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW 9,0
6039 IF eneabe=270 THEN PLOT 229,32: DRAW -9,0
6040 BEEP 1,20: FOR n=15 TO 20: PRINT AT n,26; INK O; PAPER O; OVER O;" ": N
EXJ n: GO TO 140
•
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1541 FLASH! is 100% compatible with Commodore BASIC.
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If you take your programming seriously you can speed
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Supersoft have 1541 FLASH! in stock NOW, so send your
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Tel: 01 -861 1166 for further details and. our free catalogue
AUGUST 1985 PCW 247
MICROMART
AND add later:
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Tel: (0602) 262498
Dealer enquiries welcome
PROGRAM FILE
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/B99 REM CRASH ROUTINE
7900 FOR n=0 TO 21: PRINT AT n,0; INK O; PAPER O; OVER 0;"
BEEP 0.5,-30: NEXT n
7901 FOR N=0 TO 30: PRINT AT 9,0; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1; FLASH 1J" YOU CRASHE
D INTO THE GROUND' NightHawk DESTROYED!
7902 BEEP 0.02,20: BEEP 0.02,24: NEXT N: CLS : GO TO 9600
8949 REM MISSILE ROUTINE FOR WHEN YOU EXCEED MAX.RADAR HEIGHT
8950 LET g=INT <3*RND>
8951 IF g<2 THEN PRINT AT 6,12; INK 7; PAPER 2; FLASH 0; BRIGHT 1;" missile M ;A
T 7,12; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1; FLASH 0;" avoided ": PAUSE 30: PRINT AT 6,12;"
";AT 7,12;" “: GO TO 140
8952 IF g>=2 THEN BEEP 1,-30: PRINT AT 16,12; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT l; FLASH 1
;" HIT ": PRINT AT 21,18; INK 7; BRIGHT 1; FLASH 1; PAPER l;"100X"s PAUSE 30
: GO TO 9400
8999 REM CRASH ROUTINE FOR WHEN NIGHTHAWK RUNS OUT OF FUEL
9000 FOR n=0 TO 21: PRINT AT n,0; INK 0; PAPER 0; OVER 0;"
": BEEP 0.5,-30: NEXT n
9001 FOR N=0 TO 30: PRINT AT 9,0; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1; FLASH 1;" NightHawk
HAS RUN OUT OF FUEL MISSION ABORTED
9002 BEEP 0.02,20: BEEP 0.02,24: NEXT N: CLS : GO TO 9600
9101 GO TO 9600
9349 REM CRASH ROUTINE FOR WHEN DAMAGE EXCEEDS 1007.
9350 FOR n=0 TO 21: PRINT AT n,0; INK O; PAPER 0;"
": BEEP 0.5,-30: NEXT n
9351 FOR n=0 TO 30: PRINT AT 9,0; INK 7; PAPER 2; FLASH 1; BRIGHT 1;" DAMAGE=100
7.. TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROI_ NightHawk DESTROYED!
9352 BEEP 0.02,20: BEEP 0.02,24: NEXT n: CLS : GO TO 9600
9399 REM CRASH ROUTINE FOR WHEN DESTROYED BY AN ENEMY MISSILE
9400 FOR n=G TO 21: PRINT AT n,0; INK 0; PAPER O; OVER 0;"
": BEEP 0.5,-30: NEXT n
9401 FOR N=0 TO 30: PRINT AT 9,0; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1; FLASH 1;" YOU WER
E HIT BY AN ENEMY MISSILE...
NightHawk DESTROYED.
9402 BEEP 0.02,20: BEEP 0.02,24: NEXT N: CLS : 60 TO 9600
9499 REM TITLE ROUTINE_DRAWS "NIGHTHAWK"+HAWK MOTIF
9500 PLOT 1,100: DRAW 0,25: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 7,-22: DRAW 0,22: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 0,-2
5: DRAW -3,0: DRAW -7,22: DRAW 0,-22: DRAW -3,0
9501 PLOT 19,100: DRAW 0,12: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 0,12: DRAW -3,-1: PLOT 19,117: DRAW
3,1: DRAW 0,2: DRAW -3,-1: DRAW 0,-2
9502 PLOT 27,103: DRAW 0,8: DRAW 5,3: DRAW 10,0: DRAW 0,-30: DRAW.-3,-3: DRAW -8
,0: DRAW -3,3: DRAW 0,3: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 0,-3: DRAW 3,-3: DRAW 2,0: DRAW 3,3
9503 DRAW 0,16: DRAW -6,0: DRAW -5,3: PLOT 30,106: DRAW 0,4: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 6,0:
DRAW 0,-8: DRAW -6,0: DRAW -3,1: DRAW 0,2
9504 PLOT 47,100: DRAW 0,20: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 0,-10: DRAW 7,0: DRAW 3,-1: DRAW 0,-
9: DRAW -3,-1: DRAW 0,7: DRAW -7,0: DRAW 0,-6: DRAW -3,-1
9505 PLOT 65,100: DRAW 0,20: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 0,-7: DRAW 5,0: DRAW 0,-2: DRAW -3,-
1: DRAW -1,0: DRAW 0,-8: DRAW 2,0: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 0,-3: DRAW -3,-1: DRAW -5,0
9506 PLOT 252,101: DRAW -3,-1: DRAW -6,8: DRAW 0,-7: DRAW -4,-1: DRAW 0,20: DRAW
4,1: DRAW 0,-8: DRAW 6,4: DRAW 0,-4: DRAW -4,-3: DRAW 7,-8
9507 PLOT 230,100: DRAW 3,15: DRAW -3,0: DRAW -3,-12: DRAW -3,12: DRAW -6,0: DRA
W -3,-12: DRAW -3,12: DRAW -3,0: DRAW 3,-15: DRAW 6,0: DRAW 3,12: DRAW 3,-12: DR
AW 6,0
9508 PLOT 203,100: DRAW 0,16: DRAW -12,0: DRAW 4,-3: DRAW 0,-10: DRAW 4,-3: DRA
W 12,0
9509 PLOT 200,103: DRAW 0,10: DRAW -8,0: DRAW -2,-1: DRAW 0,-8: DRAW 2,-1: DRAW
8,0
9510 PLOT 180,100: DRAW 0,25: DRAW -3,0: DRAW 0,-10: DRAW -8,0: DRAW 0,10: DRAW
-3,0: DRAW 0,-25: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 0,11: DRAW 8,0: DRAW 0,-11: DRAW 3,0
9511 PLOT 145,100: DRAW -3,2: DRAW -1,4: DRAW -1,8: DRAW -2,4: DRAW -3,5: DRAW -
3,2: DRAW -10,0: DRAW -6,-1: DRAW -3,-2: DRAW -2,-1: DRAW -1,-1: DRAW 0,-1: DRAW
2,-4
9512 DRAW 2,-1: DRAW 4,-2: DRAW 2,-1: DRAW 1,-2: DRAW -1,1: DRAW -10,1: DRAW -3,
-1: DRAW -1,-3: DRAW 1,-1: DRAW -3,5: DRAW -2,3: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 4 ? 2: DRAW 1,2
9513 PLOT 114,117: DRAW 1,2: DRAW 3,1: DRAW 4,1: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 3,-1: PLOT 118,1
20: DRAW 0,-3: DRAW 2,-2: DRAW 2,0: DRAW 2,2: DRAW 1,2
9514 PLOT 122,119: PLOT 116,110: DRAW 2,-4: DRAW -1,-3: DRAW -2,-6
9515 PRINT AT 10,31;"
9516 PRINT AT 13,2; INK 7; BRIGHT l;"Probably the meanest machine in
the World "
9520 INK 2: PLOT 105,155: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 3,4: DRAW 2,1: DRAW
3,0: DRAW 2,1: DRAW 0,2: DRAW 3,0: DRAW 1,-2: DRAW 2,-1: DRAW 2,-3: DRAW 0,-1:
DRAW 7,-1: DRAW 3,4
9521 DRAW 1,1: DRAW 2,0: DRAW -1,-6: DRAW 1,-5: DRAW -2,0: DRAW -3,3: DRAW 11,-
1: DRAW -2,-1: DRAW -8,-1: DRAW -2,-2: DRAW -3,0: DRAW -1,1: DRAW 0,2: DRAW -4,0
: DRAW -2,1
9522 PLOT INK 2;lOO,165: DRAW INK 2;22,2: PLOT INK 2;123,167: DRAW INK 2;22,
2
9523 REM WAITS FOR KEY PRESS THEN SCROLLS SCREEN
9524 LET a*="Press any key": FOR n=G TO 7: PRINT AT 20,10; INK n;a*: BEEP 0.01,n
: PAUSE 5: NEXT n
9525 PAUSE O: FOR n=0 TO 21: LET a=USR 3280: BEEP 0.001,50: NEXT n
9529 REM ASKS WHETHER INSTRUCTIONS ARE REQUIRED
9530 PRINT AT 9,0; INK 7; PAPER 2; BRIGHT 1;"Press’I’for Instructions or Pre
55 ’S’ to Start the game “
9535 POKE 23658,8
9536 IF INKEY$="I" THEN GO TO 9540
9537 IF INKEY*="S" THEN CLS : INK 7: GO TO 30
9538 GO TO 9530
9539 REM BACKGROUND & INSTRUCTIONS
9540 CLS : POKE 23658,0: INK 7: PRINT AT 1,10;"The Setting_"
9545 PRINT AT 3,0; INK 4;"You are the pilot of the Air Force’s latest combat
chopper, NightHawk. War has broken out in Europe and yo
ur ground forces are beingpushed back by a surge of enemy tanks.Your mission is
to fly as many sorties as you can before your dwindling fuel stocks run out.
9546 PRINT AT 13,0; INK 2;“ THE ENEMY TANKS MUST BE DESTROYED!
9547 PAUSE lOOO: CLS
9549 REM INSTRUCTIONS ON CONTROLS
9550 PRINT AT 1,12;"Controls"
9551 PRINT AT 3,0;"Up-Q Down-A
Bank left-0 Bank right-P
Increase power-I Decrease power U
Cannon selection-C Rocket select
lon-R "
9552 PRINT AT 13,0;" Crosshair up-7
Crosshair down-6 Crosshair left-5 Crosshair ri
ght-8 Fire-0
Damage review—D Target finder-S
9553 PAUSE O: CLS : GO TO 30
9599 REM HIGH SCORE TABLE.ASKS FOR PILOT’S NAME,etc
9600 CLS
9601 INPUT "Pilot’s name:";gt
9603 IF kill>=0 AND kill<=5 THEN LET scorepos=14: LET y*=g*: LET y=kill
9604 IF kill>=6 AND kill<=10 THEN LET scorepos=12: LET t*=g*: LET t=kill
9605 IF kill>=11 AND kill<=15 THEN LET scorepos=10: LET r$=g$: LET r=kill
9606 IF kill>=16 AND kill<=20 THEN LET scorepos=8: LET e*=g*: LET e=kill
9607 IF kill>=21 AND kill<=25 THEN LET scorepos=6: LET w*=gt: LET w=kill
9608 IF kill>=26 THEN LET scorepos=4: LET q*=g*: LET q=kill
9610 PLOT 78,161: DRAW 0,-11: DRAW 107,0: DRAW 0,11: DRAW -107,0: PRINT AT 2,10;
INK 7; PAPER 2; FLASH l; BRIGHT 1;"Hi-Kill Table"
9620 PRINT AT 4,5; INK 7; BRIGHT l;q*; M ";q;AT 6,5; INK 2; BRIGHT l;w*;"
; w
248 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
9625 PRINT AT 8,5; INK 3; BRIGHT l;e*;" ”;e
9630 PRINT AT 10,5; INK 5; BRIGHT l;r*;" M ;r
9635 PRINT AT 12,5; INK 4; BRIGHT l;t*;“ ”;t
9640 PRINT AT 14,5; INK 1; BRIGHT l;y*;“ "; y
9650 PRINT AT 20,11;"Press any key": GO TO 9525
9700 REM LINE 9650 TAKES YOU BACK TO THE LINE THAT ASKS YOU WHETHER OR NOT YOU
EQUIRE INSTRUCTIONS.THE GAME CONTINUES AS NORMAL FROM THERE ONWARDS
BBC Patience
by Pete Telfer
This is the standard game of patience,
faithfully transferred to the BBC Micro.
As it disables the BREAK key, you are
strongly advised to save the program
before running it—you won't be able to
afterwards. If you don't have a disk
system, don't type in lines 60 to 110 of
the second part. The first part sets up
graphics and display instructions.
10 REM ***************************
20 REM * Program 1 *
30 REM * Loader,Inst. & Graphics *
40 REM * (c)PyroSoft(Pete Tel Ter *
50 REM * (c)1985 *
60 REM ***************************
70 *FX200,2
80
90
lOO
HO ONERRORRUN
120 MODE7:PRINT
130 PRINT" ";CHR*131;CHR*157;SPC(32>;CHR*156
140 FORC7.= l T03: PRINT" " ; CHR*131; CHR* 157; CHR* 148; CHR* 154; : F0RA7.= 1 T028: READB7.
:PRINTCHR*B7.; : NEXT: PRINT" "CHR* 156: NEXT
150 PRINT" ";CHR*131;CHR*157;SPC(32);CHR*156’
160 FORCX=l T02: PRINTCHR*146 CHR*154" ";:F0RA7.= 1 TQ27: READB7.: PRINTCHR*B*/.; :
NEXT:PRINT:NEXT
170 PRINT
180 FDRC%=1 T03: PRINTCHR*145 CHR*154; : FORA7.= l T037: READB7.: PRINTCHR*B7.; : NEXT: PR
INT:NEXF
190 PRINISPC(14)“INS1RUCTIONS"’SPC(14)"_":VDU28,O,24,39,15:PRINT
200 PRINTCHR*141"Do You Wish To See The Instructions ?**
210 PRINTCHR*141"Do You Wish To See The Instructions ?“
220 VDU23,222,68,238,254,254,124,124,56,16
230 VDU23,223,16,56,124,124,254,254,238,84
240 VDU23,224,0,16,56,124,254,124,56, 16
250 VDU23,225,O,56,56,16,214,254,214,16
260 VDU23,226,0,34,101,37,37,37,37,114
270 REPEAT:K*=GET*:UNTILK*=-Y"ORK*="N"
280 IFK*="N"G0T0670
290 CLS:REST0RE480
300 FORA7.= l TQ35:READA*: IFA*="#“ PRINT: NEXT
310 FORB7.= l TOLENA* : B*=M ID* (A*, BX, 1)
320 IFB*=" " PRINT" ";:G0T0340
330 PRINT B*;:SOUND1,-10,20,1:W=INKEY(lO)
340 NEXT:PRINT:NEXT
350 PRINTCHR*141 CHR*132" Do You Wish To See Again"
360 PRINICHR*141 CHR*132" Do You Wish To See Again"
370 REPEAT:K*=GET*:UNTILK*=“Y"ORK*="N"
380 IF K*="N"GO!0670ELSEG0TQ290
390
400 DATA255, 175,244,224,254,253,176,175,255,175,170,239,191,165,255,175,175,23
4,245,234,181,248,191,244,234,191,175,165
410 DATA255,252,167,234,189,238,181,32,255,32,32,234,181,32,255,175,165,234,19
1,255,181,255,32,32,234,191,175,32
420 DA TA255,32,32,234,181,234,181,32,255,32,232,254,253,180,255,252,252,234,18
1,234,181,171,253,167,234,253,252, 180
430 DAIA54,96,36,54,96,52,119,115,36,117,112,53,119,115,36,96,55,33,54,96,36,1
17,112,53,96,55,33
440 DATA101,112,36,101,112,37,53,32,32,32,53,32,53,34,52,112,117,48,101,115,37
,53,32,53,32,53,32
450 DATA255,175,244,234,191,175,165,175,255,175,234,191,175,165,32,170,175,255
,175,165,255,175,175,234,181,32,32,255,175,175,234,191,175,165,255,175,244
460 DATA255,175,161,234,183,161,32,32,255,32,234,183,161,32,32,32,32,255,32,32
,255,163,32,234,181,32,32,255,163,32,234,183,161,32,255,247,161
470 DATA175,32,32,170,175,175,165,32,175,32,170,175,175,165,32,32,32,175,32,32
,175,175,175,170,175,175,165,175,32,32,170,175,175,165,175,162,173
480 DA I A"OBJECT OF THE GAME _
490 DAlA"To Move All The Cards From The Seven Decks And The Twist Pack To F
orm Four New Decks (Hearts , Spades , Diamonds And Clubs) , By Moving Cards
Around"
500 DA FA"The Different Decks. The Only Valid Moves Are:"l.Move A Red
Card (Hearts 8c Diamonds) To A Black Card (Clubs 8c Spades) Whose"
510 DArA" Face Value Is One Less Than 1 he Value Of The Black Card.","#"
520 DAT A"2. Move A Black Card (Clubs 8c Spades) To
ds) Whose Face Value Is One Less Than The Value
530 DAT A"3.Move A Card To One Of The New Decks."
540 DATA"
A Red Card (Hearts 8c Diamon
Of The Red Card.","#"
550 DATA"1.To Turn The Next Card Over From The
’.","#"
560 DArA"2. To Move A Card From One Deck To
alue Of The Card To Be Moved Then Its Suit."
570 DATA" Next Type The Value Of The Card It’s
ds Value.","#"
580 DATA" N.B. To Move A King Type ’K’
Q’ To Move A Jack Type ’J’
T’ To Move An Ace Type ’A’","#"
590 DATA“3.To Move A Card Out From The Twist Pack
One Of The Four Suits (Hearts,Spades,Diamonds
600 DATA" First Type In The Value Of The Card
oil owed By Hitting ’RETURN’.","#"
610 DATA" N.B. The First Card You Move To The
ACE _
In Value.","#"
620 DATA"4.If One Of The Seven Decks Is Cleared
Display And None Hidden."
630 DATA" You May Move Any Availible KING To
en The Suit Of The King Followed By ’RETURN'."
640 DATA"5.When All The Cards Have Been Moved To
Over And You Will Be Told The Time Taken For
ors Made.","#"
,"#","INSTRUCTIONS
Deck (To Twist) Hit ’RETURN
Another First Type In The V
To Go Next To Then That Car
To Move A Queen Type ’
To Move A Ten Type ’
Or From One Of The Decks To
or Clubs)."
To Be Moved Then Its Suit F
Suit Decks MUST BE AN
Followed By Their Next
Of All Its Cards ie.None On
That Space By Typing ’K’ Th
, "#"
The Suit Decks The' Game Is
The Game And The No. Of Err
MICROMART
SOFTWARE UP TO 40% DISCOUNT
All software for IBM PC and compatibles, but most is also available for other MS-
DOS machines, le APRICOT. HITACHI. SANYO etc., and CPM-80. CPM-86.
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dBASE 11 .
RRP
395
Our
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237
dBASE 111.
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550 325
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310
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325
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. 360 259
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399 265
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465
310
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.. 295 209
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495
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195 145
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190 145
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113
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162 120
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39
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56
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.47 37
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199
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190
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149 109
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149
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149 109
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85
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. 414
299
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450 325
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. 115
85
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. 115
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.115 85
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. 376
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.47 38
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.. 340 256
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220
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485
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48 38
MS Flight Simulation ....
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42 32
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Verbatim DATALIFE 5.25”
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BASF or 3M 5,25”
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ASHLEY
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AUGUST 1985 PC W 249
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micromods ltd
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Nottingham NG101FR
Tel: 0602 724264
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Tel: 0442 212436
PROGRAM FILE
650 DATA"6.At Any Time You May Quit The Game By Pressing 'ESLAFt'.”
660 DAI A"#", " 7 .You May Only Go Through The Twist Pack Three Times.After
The Game Is Over. "
670 CLS
680 CHAIN“CARD2“
lO REM (c)PyroSoft-Feb,1985
20
30
31 ONERRORRUN
40 *FX200,2
50 IF PAGE=8<EOO THEN110
60 *K.O *FX3,OOM CLS:*FX3,6uM SO.1,-15,150,3uM *T.OM D7.=PAGE-8«EOO: FOR L7.=PAG
E tO TOP STEP 4: 1 (L7.-D7.) = !L7.: NEXT: PAGE=«tEOO uM OLD uM DEL.50,100uM RUNuM
70 *FX 138,0
80 PRINI’CHR*141"PRESS*oTO RUN"’CHRS141"PRESS*oTO RUN";
90 *FX3,6
100 END
110 *FX3,O
130 MODE1:VDU19, 128, 4, O, O,O; :DIMP*(8),S*(3),O*(6):PROCSHU:VDU28,1,30,38,27:COL
OUR 129: T I ME=0 : I V7.=0 : ER7.= 1
140
150 ONERRORGO T02050
160 *FX21,0
170 IFER7.>3 GO T02100
180 VDU4:CLS:PRINT’’SPC(7)"Press ’RETURN’ To Twist“’SPC(12)"Or Move ? To ?"
190 IFLENS*(0)=26ANDLENS*(1)=26ANDLEN S*(2)=26ANDLENS*(3)=26 GOTO1990
200 M*= " " : REPEAT : k*=GET*: UNTILK*= "K"ORK*= " Q"ORK*= " J "ORK*= " T"ORK*= " A"ORVALK* > 1
ORASC(K*)=13
210 CLS: PRINT’ “ “ ; : IFASC (K$) =13 PRINTSPC (13) ; "* TWIST *" : PROCT: FORW7.=0T03O00: N
EXT:GOT 0160
220 *FX21,0
230 M*=M*+k*:PROCPl: REPEAT: K*=GET*: UNT ILK$= , 'H"ORK*=’ , S"ORK$= ,, D"ORK$= , ‘C" : PR0CP2:
PRINT" to M ;:M*=M*+K*
240 *FX21,0
250 REPEA T:K*=GET*:UN TILK*="K"ORK*=”Q"ORK*="J"ORK*="T-ORK*="A"ORVALK*>1 ORASC(
K*)=13
260 IFASC (K*) =13 PRINICHR*8;CHR*8;CHR*8j "Moved Out " : PROCo: F0RW7.=0 T02000:NEXT:
GOTO160
270 PROCPl:M*=M*+K*
280 *F X21,O
290 REPEAT:k*=GE1 *:UNTILK*="H"ORK*="S"ORK*="D"ORK*="C":PR0CP2:M*=M*+K*:PROCmov
e:W7.= INKEY (50) :G0T0160
300 END
310
320 DEFPROCSHU
330 VDU5:M0VE390,990:GCOLO,3:PRINT"(c)Pyrosoft 1985":M0VE395,995:GCOLO,1:PRINT
"(c)Pyr osof t 1985"
340 C*="AH2H3H4H5H6H7HBH9HTHJHQHKHAS2S3S4S5S6S7S8S9STSJSQSKSAD2D3D4D5D6D7D8D9D
TDJDQDkDAC2C3C4C5C6C7C8C9CTCJCQCKC"
350 F0RA7.= 1T02
360 D*= REPEAT: L7.=LEN( C*)-1: IFL7.= 1 D*=D*+C*:C*="":G0T0400
370 R7.=RND(L7.)
380 J*=M1D*(C*,R7., 1) : IFT*="H"ORT*="S"ORT*="D"ORT*="C" R7.=R7.+ 1: GOT0380
390 D*=D*+T *+M ID* (C*, R7.+1,1): C*=LEFT* (C*, R7.-1) +RIGHT* < C*, L7.-R7.)
400 UNTILC*="“
410 C*=D*:NEXT:D*=C*:C*=""
420 X7.=20: L7.= l: F0RD7.= 1 1 07: FORA7.=D7.T07: T*=MID* (D*, L7., 2) :L7.=L7.+2: IFA7.=D7. YX=930
ELSEY7.=950
430 IF A7.=D7. PROCCA (O) : PROCSOU ELSEPROCCA < 1)
440 IFA7.=D7. O* (A7.-1 ) =T tELSEP* < A7.-1) =P* (A7.-1 ) +T*
450 X7.= X7.+1 28: NE X T: PROC X : NE X T
460 X7.= 1OOO: Y7.=500: REPEAT: T*=M ID* (D*, L7., 2) : L7.=L7.+2: P* (7) =P* (7) +T*: UNT ILL7.= 105:
PROCCA(1):D*="":ENDPROC
4 70
480 DEFPROCCA(F7.)
490 IFF7=1 GCOLO,1
500 IFF7.=0 GCOLO, 3
510 IFF7.= 10 GCOLO, O
520 MOVEX7., Y7.: M00EX7.+ 115, Y7.: PL01 85, X7.+ 115, Y7.-150: M0VEX7., Y7.: PLO T85, X7., Y7.- 150
530 1FF7.= 1 GC0L0,2:F0RB7.= X7.+ 10 T0X7.+ 109 STEP 12: MOVEB7., Y7.: DRAWB7., Y7.-150: NEXT
540 IFFXOO ENDPROC
550 T1*=LEFT*(T*,1):T2*=RIGHT*(TS,1)
560 IF1 2«="H ,, 0RT2*="D" GCOLO, 1ELSEGC0L0, O
570 IFT1$="T" 11*=CHR*226
580 IFr2*="H" T2*=CHR*222
590 IFT2<="S" T2*=CHR*223
600 IFT2*="D" T2*=CHR*224
610 IFT2*="C" T2*=CHR*225
620 T3t=T1t + T2*+CHR*10+CHR*10+CHR*10+CHR*8+T2* + T1 %
630 VDU5 : MOVE X 7.+10 , Y7.-12 : PR I NTT 3*: MOVE X 7., Y7.: GCOLO, O: DR AWX 7.+1 15, Y7.: T3*= " "
640 ENDPROC
650
660 DEFPROCT
670 L7.=LEN<P*<7> )
680 IFL7.=0 AND P*<8)="" CLS: PRINT ’ SPC (10) ; "NO CARDS LEFT ! ' • " : F0RA7.= 1 T04:S0UN
D1 , -7,50,2: FORW7.= l I 01 OOO: NEXT : NEXT: FORW7.= 1 T02000: NEXT: ENDPROC
690 IFL7.=2 X7.= 1000: Y7.=500: PROCCA < 10)
700 IFL7.=48 X7.= lOOO: Y7.=320: PROCCA (10) : W7.= INkEY (20) : Y7.=500: PROCCA (1)
710 IFL7.=0:P*(7)=P* (8) : P* (8) =" “ : X7.= 1000: Y7.=320: PROCCA (10) : Y7.=500: PROCCA (1 ) : ER7
=ER7.+ 1:G010670
720 T*=R1GHT* (P$ (7) , 2) : XX=1000: Y7.=320: PROCCA (O) : P* (8
7),LX—2):PROCSOU
730 ENDPROC
740
750 DEFPROCo
760 PROCFI (M*) : D17.=D7.: 1FF07.=0 G0T01710
770 1 1*=RIGHT *(Mt, 1):T2*=LEFT*(M*,1):PROCs:IFT2*= M K"AND0KX=0 PROCok:ENDPROC
780 IFOK7.=OANDT2*<> ,, K“ G0101710
790 IFD7.<8 L7.=LEN (O* (D7.) ) -1: IFC7.< >L7. GOTO 1710
800 IFD7.=8 GO T0840
810 IF LENO* (D7.) =2 O* (D7.) ="": PROCO TOP (D7.) : G0T0830
820 0*(D7.)=LEF1* (O* (D7.) , LENO* (D7.) -2) : T*=RIGHT* (OS (D7.) , 2) : D7.=D17.: PROCX : Y7.= 1005-
(25*C7.) -50: PROCCA (lO) : Y7.=Y7.+50: PROCCA (O)
830 GOT 0860
840 IFLENP* (8) =2 P* (8) =" " : X7.= 1000: Y7.=320: PROCCA (10) : G0T0860
850 P*(8)=RIGHT % (P*(8),LENP<(8)-2):T*=LEFT*(P*(8),2):XX=1000:YX=320:PROCCA(O)
860 T1$=RIGHT$(Mt,1): F2t=LEF Tt(M*,1)
870 IFT1 *= "H"ORT 1 *= "S" X7.= 1000 ELSEX7.= 1150
880 IFTl*="S ,, ORTl*="D" Y7.=750 ELSEY7.=950
890 N*=" " : 7 *=M*: PROCCA (O) : S* (P7.) =S* (P7.) +M*: PROCSOU: ENDPROC
900
910 DEFPROCok
920 0K7.= lO:FORA7.=6T0OSTEP-l: 1FP* (A7.) =" » ANDO* (A7.) =" " 0K7.=A7.
930 NEXT
940 IF0K7.>6 G0101710
950 D17.=D7.: IFD7.=8 G0T0990
960 PROCX: PROCCLEAR (930) :M0*=0*(D7.) : O* (D7.) ="": O* (Ok7.) =M0*: Y7.=930: D7.=0k7.: PROCX:
t*+P*(8):P*(7)=LEFT*(P*(
250 PCW AUGUST 198f
PROGRAM FILE
•
FORA7.=
1 IULENMU*STEP2: F*=MID* (MU*, A7., 2) : PROCCA (O) : Y7.=Y7.-50: PROCSOU: NEXT
•
970
PROCO 1 UP (D17.)
980
ENDPROC
990
X7.= 1000: Y7.=320: IFLENP*(8)=2 0* (0K7.) =P* (8) : P* (8) =" " : PROCCA (10) :60T01010
•
1OOO
0*(UK7.)=LEFT*(P*(8> ,2) : P*(8)=RIGH1 *(P*(8) ,LENP*(8>-2) : 1 *=LEFT* (P* (8) .2) : PR
OCCA(O)
•
1010
T*=0* (0K7.) : Y7.=930: D7.=OK7.: PROCX : PROCCA (0) : PROCSOU
•
1020
ENDPROC
•
1030
1040
DEFPROCmove
1050
11*=MID*(M*,2,1): 13*=MID* (M*, 1,1):T2*=MID* (M*, 4,1):T4*=MID* < M*, 3, 1)
•
1060
E7.=0: IFT 1*="H"ANDT2*="C" E7.= l
1070
IFT 1*="H"ANDT2*= ,, S" E7.= l
1080
IFT 1*="D ,, ANDT2*="S" E7.= l
•
1090
IFT1*="D ,, ANDT2*="C" E7.= l
1 lOO
IFT1*="C"ANDT2*="H" E7.= l
•
1110
IF n*="C"ANDl 2*="D" E7.= l
1120
1F1 1 *= “ S " ANDT 2*= “ D " E7.= l
#
1130
IF T 1 *="S"ANDT2*="H" E7.= l
1140
IF 1 3*=" 1 "AND! 4*< >“J“ E7.=0
1150
IF T3*=”J"AND14*< > " Q ” E7.=0
•
1 160
IF I 3*=“Q"ANDT4*< >"K" E7.=0
1 1 70
IF r3*="9"ANDI4*:..>" r M E7.=0
#
1180
IFE7.=0 GOT01710
•
1 190
IF 1 3*= " 9 " OR 1 3*= " T " OR T 3*= " J " OR T 3*= " Q " GO TO1220
12UO
V17.=VAL (13*): V27.=VAL (14*)
•
1210
IFV27-OV17.+ 1 80101710
A
1220
!5*=LEF 1 * (M*, 2) : 16*=R1 GH 1 * (M*, 2) : PROCF I (T5*) : IFF0*=0 GOT01710
w
1230
D17.=D7.: C17.=C7.: PROCF 1 < 1 6*) : IFF07.=0 GOT 01710
1240
D27.=D7.: C27.=C7.: 1FC7.+ 1< >LENU* (D7.) G0T01710
1250
IFD7.=8 GOI 01710
•
1260
IFD17.=8 PROCmove8: ENDPROC
1270
D7.=D17.: PROCX: Y7.=980- (C17.*25) -25: PROCCLEAR (Y7.) : C37.=LEN0* (D17.) : C37.=C37.-C 17.+1
•
: MO*=R 1GH I * (O* (D1 */.) , C37.) : D7.=D27.: PROCX : Y7.=905- <C27.*25)
•
1280
FORA7.= 1 TOLENMU*S f EP2: T*=M ID* (MU* , A7., 2) : PROCCA (O) : Y7.= Y7.-50: O* (D27.) =0* ( D27.)
+1*:PROCSOU:NEX1
•
1290
IF C37.=LEN0* (D17.) O* (D17.) = “ " : PROCO T OP (D17.) : ENDPROC
A
1300
Ot(D17.)=LEF 1 * (0* (D17.) , LENO* (D17.)-C37.) : T*=RIGHT* (0* (D17.) ,2) : D7.=D17.: PROCX : Y7.
W
=980 (LENO* (D17.) *25) :PRQCCA(0) :ENDPROC
•
1310
1320
DEFPRUCmove8
•
1330
X7.= 1000: Y7.=320: PROCCA (10) : T*=LEF T* (P* (8) , 2) : D7.=D27.: PROCX: Y7.=905— (C27.*25) : P
ROCC A ( O ) : 0* (D27.) =0* ( D27.) + T *
•
1340
P* (8)=RIGHT* (P* (8),LEN P*(8>-2>
•
1350
PROCSOU:IFP*(8) = " " ENDPROC
•
1360
1370
X 7.= 1 OOO : Y7.=320: T*=LEF T* ( P* ( 8 ) , 2) s PROCCA (0) : ENDPROC
1380
DEFPROCFI(CA*)
#
1390
F07.=0: D7.=0
1400
IFD7.= 7 GO f 01 460
•
1410
L7.=LEN (O* (D7.) ) : C7.= 1
•
1420
IF L7.=0 D7.=D7.+ 1: GO TO 1 400
1430
1 1 *=MID* (0* (D7.) ,C7.,2>
•
1440
IF 1 1 *=CA* F07.= l : ENDPROC
a
1450
L7.=L7.-2 : C7.=C7.+2 : GO T 01420
w
1460
D7.=8
1470
L7.=LENP* (D7.)
1480
1FL7.=0 ENDPROC
•
1490
ri*=LEFT*(P*(D7.) ,2)
1500
IFT1*=CA* F07.= l
•
1510
1520
ENDPROC
•
1530
DEFPROCs
•
1540
OK7.=0:ND7.=-l
1550
IFT 1*="H" TL7.=LEN(S*(0) ) : P7.=0
1560
IF 11*=“S" TL7.=LEN(S*(1) ) :P7.= I
1570
IFT 1*="D“ TL7.=LEN(S*(2) ) : P7.=2
1580
IFT 1*=" C" TL7.=LEN ( S* ( 3 ) ) : P7.=3
•
1590
IF TL7.=0ANDT2*< >“A" ENDPROC
1600
T3*=MID*(S*(P7.) ,TL7.-1, 1)
•
1610
T V7.=VAL ( T 3* ) : V7.=VAL ( T2*) : IFT V7.=V7.-1 0K7.= 1
•
1620
IFT3*= ,, 9"ANDT2*= " T" OK7.= l
1630
IFT3*=" T " ANDT2*="J " OK7.= l
•
1640
IFT 3*= " J " ANDT2*= " Q " OK7.= l
1650
1FT3*="Q“AND r2* =,, K" 0K7.= 1
1660
IFT 3*= " A " AND 1 2*= " 2 " OK7.= l
1670
IF TL7.=0ANDT2*=" A" 0K7.= 1
•
1680
V7.=VAL ( r2* ) : IF T V7.=V7.-1 OK7.= 1
•
1690
1700
ENDPROC
•
1710
CLS:PRINT' TAB ( 13) ; "* INVALID MOVE*" : SOUND 1 ,-7,10.7: SOUND 1. -7. O. 7: W7.= INKEY (2
•
50 ) : I V7.= I V7.+1 : ENDPROC
l 7 20
DEFPR0CP1
1730
IFK*="1" PRINI-10";
#
1740
IFK*="A" PRIN r" ACE" $
•
1750
1FK*="J" PRINT"JACK";
1760
IFK*="Q" PRINT"QUEEN";
•
1770
IFK*="K" PRINI"KING" ;
•
1780
IFK*< i" 1"ANDK*<>"J"ANDK*<>"Q"ANDK* . ; "K“ANDK*< >"A" PRINIK*;
•
1790
1800
PRINT" Of ";: SOUND1,-7,200,2:ENDPROC
•
1810
DEFPROCP2
1820
IFK*="H" PRINT"HEARTS" ;
1830
IFK*="S" PRINT"SPADES";
#
1840
IFK*="D" PRINT"DIAMONDS";
•
1850
IFK*="C" PRI NT" CLUBS ";
1860
SOUND1,-7,200,2 : ENDPROC
•
1870
1880
1890
DEFPROCX : XX=20+128*D7.: ENDPROC
•
1900
DEFPROCOl OP (deck7.)
#
1910
D7.=deckX: PROCX
1920
IF0* ( D7. ) = " " ANDP* ( D7. ) = " " Y7.=930 : PROCCA (10): ENDPROC
1930
IFLENP* (D7.)=2 O* ( D7. ) =P* ( D7. ) :T*=P*(D7.) : Y7.=950: PROCCA ( lO) : Y7.=930: PROCCA (0) : P
•
*(D7.)=" ENDPROC
•
1940
T*=LEF T* (P* (DX) , 2) : U* (D‘/i) =T*: P* (D7.) =RIGHT* (P* (D7.) , LENP* (D7.) -2) : Y7.=930: PROC
CA(O) :
: ENDPROC
•
1950
1960
DEFPROCCLEAR (top) :GCOLO, O: MOVEX7., top : M0VEX7+115, top: PLOT85, X7.+ 115, 160: MOVE
•
XV. f top: PLOl 85, X7., 160:ENDPR0C
1970
A
•
1980
REMW1N
•
1990
TX=TIME/100sCLG: X7.=200: F0RA7.=0 T03: Y7.=930: F0RB7.= 1 T013: SOUND1 ,-10, B7.*A7.*2,
1 : 1*=RIGHT*(S*(A7.) ,2) :PR0CCA(0) : S* (A7.)=LEF T* (S*(A7.) ,LENS*(A7.) -2) : Y7.= Y7.-50: NEXT : X
•
7.= X7.+250:NEX f
•
2000
2010
VDU4:CLS:PRINT " Congratulations You Have completed"'" The Deck. ";
%
2020
H7.= 17./3600: T7.=T7.- (H7.*3600) : M7.=T7./60: T7.=T7.- (M7.*60)
•
2030
PRINT " T i me Taken: "; M7.; "mi ns. " ; TX; "secs. " You Made ";IV7.;" Mi stakes" ’ SPC
(8) : “PI ay Again (Y/N) : SOT02120
2050
IFERR017 REPORT: PRINT "AT "; ERL: ONERROROFF : STOP
A
•
2060
VDU4:CLS:PRINT ’" Do You Really Want To Quit (Y/N)”;
W
2070
*FX21,0
2080
REPEAT : K*=GET*:UNTILK*="Y"ORK*="N" : IFK*="Y" PRINT" YES" : G0T02100 ELSEGOTOl
•
50
•
MICROMART
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^ Additional BASIC commands - which can be
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Invoke BASIC PROCs from function keys or by
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4^ Run up to 8 independent countdown timers.
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Order today. Phone 0532 434006 or by mail order
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Includes Database * WP * Logo * BBC Basic * Home
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PROGRAM FILE
2090 DEFPROCSOU:SOUNDO,-7,5,1:W=INKE Y <10 > :ENDPROC
2100 VDU4: CLS: PRINT ’SPC< 15) “ GAME OVER" : FORA7.= lT06: PROCSOU: NEXT: FORW=lT02000: NEX
T
2110 CLS:PRINT’SPC <10)"Play Again <Y/N>";
2120 *FX21,0
2130 REPEAT:K*=GET*:UNTILK*="Y"ORK*="N":IFK*="Y" RUN
2140 CALL !-4
Logo Database
by Alan Mynett
The procedures listed here allow the
implementation of a simple database
and suggest how Logo could be used
for serious applications. Although writ¬
ten in Sinclair Logo, this is similar
enough to the LCSI/SOLI Logos that it
should run on other machines with
minor modifications.
The whole package supports a num¬
ber of database functions, and has an
Intelligent' HELP facility which prints
out the functions currently available in
the machine. Due to memory space
being limited, if some of the functions
are not needed, then a version of the
database could be saved without these
functions to leave more room for data.
Notes on the procedures are given
below, grouped according to function.
HELP — the subprocedure MENU uses
the primitive DEFINEDPto see whether
a calling procedure is present or not.
The procedures used by this command
are HELP, MENU and PRINTBRIGHT.
SETUP — this requires a single Logo
word for input. When called, the sub¬
procedure GETLIST constructs the
fieldlist for the database. The proce¬
dures used for this command are
SETUP and GETLIST.
ADD — this group of procedures adds
records to the database. Each record is
held as a list of lists. There is no limit
other than memory size as to the
number of characters in afield. The new
record is inserted into the database by
the ASCII order of its first field. The
subprocedure GTR? compares two
Logo words and indicates whether the
first is 'greater' than the second. The
procedures in this group are ADD,
INSERT, GETDATA, GTR?, SPACE, FIN¬
ISH? and READWORD.
FIND — this command searches the
database and prints out any record
containing all the entries specified. The
procedure GETLIST is used to compile
the list of items to be searched for. The
procedures in this group are FIND,
SEARCHALL, SEARCHLIST. ANDALL
and PRINTRECORD.
PRINTALL—this command prints out
all the records in order. It consists only
of the procedure PRINTALL.
RECORD — this command takes a
number as input and prints out that
record. Itconsistsonlyoftheprocedure
RECORD.
DELETE—this takes the number of a file
as input and then deletes that file. The
two procedures DELETE and WIPE
make up this command.
SAVEFILE — there is no direct way of
saving just the variables in Sinclair
Logo. This can be achieved by using the
DEFINE procedure to set up a dummy
procedure using the variables holding
the fieldlist and file. Once defined, this
procedure called FILE can be saved as
usual. Note that most Logos do not
allow the saving of a single global
variable. The command only uses the
procedure SAVEFILE.
LOADFILE — this loads in a previously
saved database file by loading in the
dummy FILE and 'unpacking' it, using
the TEXT primitive to generate the file
and fieldlist. It consists only of the
procedure LOADFILE.
TO SEARCHLIST
CT PRINTBRIGHT [FIND! PR [!
PRINT [TYPE THE SEARCH ITEMS! PR [PRESS ENTER AFTER EACH ITEM! PR [ENTER # TO ST
OP!
OP GETLIST
END
TO ANDALL :LIST :INLIST
IF EMPTYP :LIST [OP "TRUE!
IF NOT MEMBERP FIRST :LIST :INLIST [OP "FALSE!
OP ANDALL BF :LIST :INLIST
END
TO PRINTRECORD :L1 :L2
IF EMPTYP :L1 [PR [! STOP!
PRINT FIRST :L1
REPEAT 5 [TYPE CHAR 32!
PRINT FIRST :L2
PRINTRECORD BF :L1 BF :L2
END
TO SEARCHALL :ITEM :DBASE
MAKE "RECORD :RECORD + 1
IF :DBASE = [I [STOP!
IF ANDALL : ITEM FIRST : DBASE [PRINTBRIGHT SE [RECORD NUMBER! -.RECORD PRINTRECORD
:FIELDS FIRST :DBASE IF FINISH? [TOPLEVEL!!
SEARCHALL :ITEM BF :DBASE
END
TO READWORD
MAKE "INPUT RL
IF :INPUT = [! [OP "1
OP FIRST :INPUT
END
252 PCW AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
MICROMART
TO FINISH?
PRINT CD
PRINTBRIGHT CSTOP to end:ENTER tor next]
IF READWORD = "STOP COP "TRUE3
OP "FALSE
END
TO GTR? :W1 : W2
IF OR EMPTYP :W1 EMPTYP :W2 CIF EMPTYP :W1 COP “FALSEI COP "TRUED 3
IF NOT ( ASCII ( FIRST :W1 ) > = < ASCII < FIRST :W2 ) ) COP ( ASCII ( FIRST :W1
) ) > ( ASCII ( FIRST :W2 ) )3
OP GTR'!’ BF :W1 BF : W2
END
TO SPACE
RECYCLE
PRINT ( SE "SPACE= NODES "Nodes )
END
TO GETDATA :FIELDS
PRINT C 3
IF :FIELDS = C3 COP C33
TYPE SE FIRST :FIELDS CHAR 32
MAKE "INPUT RL
IF :INPUT = C 3 CMAKE "INPUT C* * *3 3
OP FPUT :INPUT GETDATA BF :FIELDS
END
TO INSERT :INPUT :INLIST
IF EMPTYP :INLIST COP LPUT :INPUT :INLIST3
IF GTR? FIRST :INPUT FIRST FIRST :INLIST COP FPUT FIRST :INLIST INSERT :INPUT BF
:INLIST3
OP FPUT :INPUT :INLIST
END
TO GETLIST
MAKE "INPUT RL
IF :INPUT = C#3 COP C33
OP FPUT :INPUT GETLIST
END
TO PRINTBRIGHT :MESSAGE
BRIGHT 1 PRINT :MESSAGE BRIGHT O
END
TO HELP
CT
SETCUR C12 03 PRINTBRIGHT "DATABASE
PRINT C 3
PRINT A.MYNETT APRIL 19B53
PRINT CD
PRINT CFacilites available:!
PRINT CD
MENU C CSETUP "titleD CADD3 CPRINTALL3 CRECORD no 3 C DELETE no3 CFIND3 CSAVEFILED
CLOADFILED CHELP33
PRINT CD
PRINTBRIGHT CTYPE YOUR CHOICE AND PRESS ENTERD
END
TO LOADFILE
PRINT "FILENAME'!’
MAKE "TITLE FIRST RL
LOAD :TITLE
MAKE "INPUT BF TEXT "FILE
MAKE "FIELDS FIRST :INPUT
MAKE :TITLE FIRST BF :INPUT
ER "FILE ERN "INPUT
END
TO SAVEFILE
DEFINE "FILE ( LIST CD :FIELDS THING :TITLE )
SAVE :TITLE CFILE3
ER "FILE
PRINT SE CSAVED ASD :TITLE
END
TO FIND
MAKE "RECORD O
SEARCHALL SEARCHLIST THING :TITLE
PRINTBRIGHT CEND OF SEARCH!
END
TO RECORD :NO
IF :NO > ( COUNT THING :TITLE ) CPRINT ( SE CONLYJ COUNT THING :TITLE CRECORDS O
N FILED ) STOP3
PRINTRECORD :FIELDS ITEM :NO THING :TITLE
END
TO PRINTALL
CT PRINTBRIGHT CPRINTING ALL RECORDS!
MAKE "RECORD O
SEARCHALL CD THING :TITLE
PRINTBRIGHT CNO MORE RECORDS!
END
TO ADD
CT PRINT CD
BRIGHT 1 PR :TITLE BRIGHT O PRINT CD
PRINT SE CRECORDS HELD! ( COUNT THING :TITLE )
PRINT CD
MAKE : TITLE INSERT GETDATA -.FIELDS THING : TITLE
PRINT CD SPACE
IF FINISH? CSTOP3
ADD
END
TO SETUP :DBASE
MAKE "TITLE :DBASE
TS
( PRINT CSETTING UP DATABASE :D :TITLE )
PRINT CD
PR CENTER EACH FIELD TITLE:# TO END!
MAKE "FIELDS GETLIST
MAKE :TITLE C 3
( PRINT "Database :TITLE Cset up! )
END
TO MENU :OPTIONS
IF EMPTYP :OPTIONS CSTOP!
IF DEFINEDP FIRST FIRST :OPTIONS CPRINT SE CHAR 32 FIRST sOPTIONSD
QUALITY DISKETTES
TOP BRAND NAMES GUARANTEED DISKS
PRICE PROMISE:
We will better any genuine delivered price advertised in
this issue of P.C.W. on the products below
3.5 3M & TDK
SS DD
5.25
TCfSo
XiTT
3M BASF & TDK
100 +
T7C
10-90
100 +
SS DD 40T
T2T
TTT
SS DD 80T
1.85
1 69
DS DD 40T
1.69
1.52
DS DD 80T
1.99
2.17
5.25
SKC 5 year guarantee
10-90
100 +
SS SS 40T
1.04
.94
SS DD 40T
1.10
99
DS DD 40T
1.28
1.17
SS DD 80T
1.44
1.33
DS DD 80T
1.55
1.44
P&P 50p per box (10-90) £3.50 per 100
All prices excluding VA T
We distribute a full range of accessories,
data cartridges, computer tape and rigid disks
Telephone or write for further information to
CAROUSEL TAPES (MAIL ORDER)
3 PARK PARADE, ST0NEH0USE, GL0S,
GL10 2DB
Tel: 045 3822151
DUST COVERS SETS
AMSTRAD CPC 464/664 £6.95
‘Matching proofed nylon, treated with anti-static inhibitor
Piping on monitor cover, green for 464, blue for 664.
AMSTRAD CPC on keyboard cover.
‘Please state model, Colour or Mono.
Tatung Einstein £7.50
I One piece cover for monitor and keyboard in proofed light
grey nylon. Piped in black with name on keyboard.
Business Machine Covers
Matching proofed nylon with toning piping and name on
keyboard: IBM PC £7.50, OLIVETTI M24 £7.50. TEXAS
INSTRUMENTS £7.50, ACT SIRIUS £7.50, ACT APRI¬
COT £6.60, APPLE MACINTOSH £6.00. Other covers
available on request.
Matching covers for Printers
Amstrad DMP-1, Canon PW 1080A, Commodore MPS
801, Epson FX-80, RX-80, Mannesmann MT-80, Panther
DX 109, Shinwa CP-80, CPA-80, Seikosha 500. Taxan
KP810, £3.95; Brother HR5. M-1009, £3.50 and Juki
6100 at £4.50.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Monitor, disk drives and other covers
on request.
BBD COMPUTER DUST COVERS
39 MANSE AVENUE, WRITINGTON WN6 9RP
Telephone: 0257 422968
TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME
READ & PRINT
BAR-CODES USING
ANY COMPUTER
Complete identification system including microprocessor
controlled scanner hardware plus software to print barcodes
on Epson (or similar) dot matrix printer. Most industrial
& commercial codes can be read Packages
available for virtually any computer. Our systems are in
regular use by many private & public sector
organisations worldwide.
Prices start from £250. More information on
request.
ALTEK
INSTRUMENTS
Enterprise House
44-46 Terrace Road
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
KT12 2SD
Tel: (0932) 244110
Telex: 295800 CWA0L
AUGUST 1985 PCW 253
MICROMART
Now you can use the
superb AMX ART soft¬
ware without the mouse
or its ROM.
NORTHSOFT MOUSE¬
TRAP patches AMX ART
to use either: (1) RB2
Tracker Ball (2) Joystick
(3) Grafpad or (4)
Keyboard.
NOTE: AMX ART plus
MOUSETRAP runs WITH¬
OUT the MOUSE driver
ROM.
£5.95 cassette, £6.95 disk incl
P&P.
NORTHSOFT MOUSE¬
TRAP is available from:
Northside Computing
14 Cedarwood Road
Dublin 11, Ireland
ONE STOP
MICRO SERVICE
LTD
5 Years of Micro Service
Experience
Home Computer Repairs:
BBC • Spectrum,
Commodore • Apple •
Amstrad • QL
We give free estimate
Business Computer Repairs:
IBM • Apricot • Epson, etc
Free estimates
Ask for same-day module
replacement (keyboard, disk
drives, logic boards)
On-site maintenance contracts
available
Upgrades carried out on all
above computers
We sell all types of cables for
computers
We sell ICs and connectors,
etc
We buy and sell home
business computers and
spares
ALL REPAIRS HAVE 90
DAYS WARRANTY
230 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD
LONDON W1P9AE
(Lower Ground Floor)
Tel: 01-631 5379
Telex: 946240 CWEASY G
QUOTE: 19010780
PROGRAM FILE
MENU BF :OPT IONS
END
TO DELETE :ITEMNO
MAKE :TITLE WIPE :ITEMNO THING :TITLE
END
TO WIPE :NO :INLIST
IF OR :NO = O :NO > ( COUNT :INLIST ) COP :INLISTD
IF :NO = 1 COP BF :INLIST3
OP FPUT FIRST :INLIST WIPE :NO - 1 BF :INLIST
END
Commodore 64 Nest of Evil
by D Talbot
This game shows off a utility that allows
you to move sprites around simply and
smoothly from Basic.
The routine forms lines 60000 to
63120 of the program, and is initialised
by GOSUB 60000. This should be done
after all the data for the Basic program
has been read in. When initialised, all
sprite movement is controlled by one
SYS command:
SYS 49152,N,XV,YV,XD,YD
N — number of sprites (0 to 7)
XV — X velocity (0 to 255)
YV — Y velocity (0 to 255)
XD — X displacement (-128 to 127)
YD — Y displacement (-128 to 127)
1 REM ***************************
2 REM **** NEST OF EVIL ****
3 REM **** (C) D.TALBOT 1985 ****
4 REM ***************************
10 PRINT "73" s POKE 53281,0: POKE 53280,0
20 PRINT TAB<5); ,, Sn
30 PRINT TAB (5) ; " s*T3 NEST OF EVIL
40 PRINT TAB(5); M SRI
50 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT "55 HOW LONG CAN YOU SURVIVE THE ONSLAUGHT";
60 PRINT "FROM THE BEASTIES THAT SPRING FORTH FROM";
70 PRINT "THE NEST OF EVIL?"
80 PR I NT: PR I NT: PR I NT " ?iTHE LONGER YOU SURVIVE, THE MORE POINTS YOU SCORE."
90 PRINT: PRINT: PRINT TAB (7) ; "TIUSE A JOYSTICK IN PORT 2."
lOO PRINT:PRINT: PRINT "|| HAPPY DODGING! ! ! M
110 FOR 1=0 TO 127:READ A:POKE 12288+1,A:NEXT
120 V=53248:FOR 1=0 TO 7:READ A:POKE V+39+I,A:NEXT
130 C=0:S=60:M=49152:SC=0
140 PRINT TAB(7) ; "51*1*135 PRESS ANY KEY TO START "
150 GET K*:IF K*="" THEN 150
160 PRINT"nsTl NEST OF EVIL ";
170 PR I NT " ■ ■ TAB (34) " !•••••• "
180 FOR 1 = 1 TO 4:PRINT TAB(34);» SH* *":NEXT
190 PRINT TAB (34) ; "
iOO GOSUB 4000
210 GOSUB 60000
220 C=C+40:S=S-.1:SC=SC+1
230 J=15-(PEEK(56320)AND15)
240 SYS M,0,1,1, — (JAND4)/4+(JAND8)/8, — (JAND1) + (JAND2)/2
250 IF PEEK(V+30)AND1 THEN 1000
260 XD=INT(RND(O)*3-1):YD=INT(RND(O)*3-1):IF XD=0 AND YD=0 THEN 260
270 SYS M,C/1000+1,1,1,XD,YD
280 IF C=6000 THEN C=0
290 POKE 56325,S
300 GOTO 220
1000 FOR 1=0 TO 7:SYS M,I,O,O,O,O:NEXT
1010 POKE V+21,254:POKE V+23,254:POKE V+29,254
1020 PRINT "^MRIilSIin"; TAB (12) ; "3 WE WIN AGAIN' "
1030 PRINT " e^iQiCr«Q'inS5*’; TAB (12);" YOU SCORED:SC
1040 PRINT M SROUfillCna 1 ** TAB (5) ; "PRESS ANY KEY FOR ANOTHER GAME"
1050 POKE 56325,55
1060 FOR 1=0 TO 6:SYS M,I,1,1,RND(O)*3-1,RND(O)*3-1:NEXT
1070 FOR 1=0 TO lOOO:NEXT
1080 GET A*:IF A*="" THEN 1060
1090 FOR 1=0 TO 7:SYS M,I,O,O,O,O:NEXT
llOO POKE V+23,O:POKE V+29,0:P0KE V+21,O:RUN
4000 FOR I=V+3 TO V+15 STEP 2:POKE I,208:NEXT
4010 FOR I=V+2 TO V+14 STEP 2:POKE I,52:NEXT
4020 POKE V,50:POKE V+1,150
4030 FOR 1=2041 TO 2047:P0KE I,192:NEXT:POKE 2040,193
4040 POKE V+37,1:POKE V+38,0:P0KE V+16,254:POKE V+28,255:POKE V+21,255
4050 I=PEEK(V+30)
4060 RETURN
5000 DATA64,O,1, 16,170,4,6,170,144,10,170,160,42,170,168,41,105,104,169,235, 106
5010 DAT A169,235,106, 169,235,106,170,170,170,170,170,170,170,170,170,170,170,170
5020 DATA166,170,154,169,85,106,170,85,170,42,170,168,10,170,160,1,0,64,1,0,64
5030 DATA5,0,80,0
7000 DATAO,168,0,0,168,0,10,170,128,10,170,128,42,170,160,42,170,160,85,85,B4
7010 DATA68,68,68,85,85,84,42,170,160,42,170,160,10,170,128,10,170,128
7020 DATAO,168,0,0,168,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
8000 DATA5,7,10,4,14,13,8,12
60000 FOR 1=49152 TO 49361:READ A:POKE I,A:NEXT
60010 SYS 49254
60020 RETURN
61000 DATA32,253,174,32.158,183
61010 DATA224,8,144,3,76,8,175
61020 DATA138,lO,133,253
61030 DATA32,253,174,32,158,183
61040 DATA164,253,138,153,167,2,153,183,2
61050 DATA230,253,32,253,174,32,158,183
61060 DATA164,253,138,153,167,2,153,183,2
61070 DATA198,253,164,253,200,200,132,254
61080 DATA32,253,174,32,138,173,32,170,177
61090 DATA201,255,240,7,152,201,128,176,24
61100 DATA144,7,192,128,144,18
611lO DATA152,73,127,166,253,157,199,2
61120 DATA166,253,232,134,253,228,254,208,215,96
61130 DATA76,8,175
62000 DATA120,169,125,141,20,3,169,192,141,21,3,88,169,0,162,47,157,167,2
63000 DATA202,16,250,96,162,15,169,128,133,252
63010 DATA133,251,189,167,2,240,56
63020 DATA222,183,2,208,51
63030 DATA189,167,2,157,183,2
63040 DATA189,199,2,16,19
63050 DATA41,127,133,2,230,2
254 PC W AUGUST 1985
PROGRAM FILE
63060 DATA189,0,208,56,229,2
63070 DATA157,0,208,144,11,176,21
63080 DATA24,125,0,208,157,0,208
63090 DATA144,12,165,251,208,8,165,252
63100 DATA77,16,208,141,16,208
63110 DATA165,251,208,2,70,252,73,128,133,251
63120 DATA202,16,182,76,49,234
READY.
Apricot RS232 Status
test
by NHG Deacon
This is a program for the Apricot PC
which acts as a fault finder when
communicating with other computers
over the RS232 serial link. It interro¬
gates the read registers of the Z80 SIO
serial interface chip, and displays mes-
sageswhich relatetotheirfunctions. If a
character is available in the receive
buffer, it is read and displayed after the
appropriate message.
Direct addressing of the SIO chip as
demonstrated can be used to transmit
and receive information at speed from
the RS232 port under Basic control. The
equivalent command for outputting a
character is OUT DTA, char.
100 REM ** RS232 status test
110 REM ** SIO channel A port locations
120 DTA=AH60:STATUS=&H62
130 REM ** read registers O and 1
140 OUT STATUS,16:RRO=INP(STATUS)
150 OUT STATUS,1:RR1=INP(STATUS)
160 X=RRO AND 1 : IF X THEN PRINT" received char, available...";:C=INP( DTA)
:PRINT CHR$(C)
170 X=RRO AND 4:IF X THEN PRINT" transmitt buffer empty "
180 X=RRO AND 8:IF X THEN PRINT" DCD pin active "
190 X=RRO AND 32:IF X THEN PRINT" CTS pin active"
200 X=RR1 AND l6:IF X THEN PRINT" ** parity error **"
210 X=RR1 AND 32:IF X THEN PRINT" ** receiver overrun error **"
220 X=RR1 AND 64: IF X THEN PRINT" ** crc/framing error **"
PCW is interested in programs written in any of the
major programming languages for all home and small
business micros. When submitting programs please
include a cassette or disk version of your program, brief
but comprehensive documentation, and a listing on
plain white paper — typed if you have no printer.
Please ensure that the software itself, the
documentation and the listing are all marked with your
name, address, program title, machine (along with any
minimum requirements) and—if possible — a daytime
phone number.
All programs should be fully debugged and your own
original, unpublished work.
We prefer to receive programs with a maximum
80-column width printed in emphasised typeface.
We will try to return submissions if they are
accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope of the
appropriate size, but please keep a copy of everything.
Programs are paid for at the rate of £50 per page of
published listing, plus a £50 bonus for the Program of
the Month. Send your contributions to Owen
Linderholm, Program File, PCW, 32-34 Broadwick
Street, London W1A 2HG.
MICROMART
FOR ALL YOUR
DISK COPYING
FORMATTING
VERIFICATION
AND BULK DISK
NEEDS TRY:
DISCO TECH
(UK) LTD
3-6 ALFRED PLACE
LONDON WC1
Tel: 01-631 3600
C LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING?
We offer the complete, professional service for
all your C language programming needs. We
stock a range of C compilers, utilities, books,
function libraries and programming aids, all care¬
fully selected and evaluated to give you the
tools you need at an attractive price. Write or
ring now for our comprehensive catalogue
covering:
• C compilers
• General purpose function libraries
• Database function libraries
• Communications function libraries
• Screen and graphics function libraries
• Programming aids and debugging tools
• Real-time utilities
• Math/science function libraries
C COMPILERS
8088/8806
• DeSmet
£145
• Lattice
£435
• Computer Innovations
£345
• C Systems
£220
• Mark Williams
£435
• Wizard C
£475
8080/Z80
• BDSC
£135
This month’s special offers
IBM PC C LANGUAGE TUTORIAL
• “Introducing C” Disk Tutor and Interpreter
• Kernighan and Ritchie “The C Programming
Language”
Introductory Offer — £130
IBM PC C LANGUAGE STARTER
PACK
• DeSmet C Compiler
• Kernighan & Ritchie “The C Programming
Language”
• Essential Software C Utility Library (2004-
graphics, DOS, screen functions with source)
Usual price £320 — Introductory offer £250
Prices exclude £4.00 P&P and VAT
The Core Store Limited
59 Station Rd, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5LT
i Tel: 0606 45420 __
AUGUST 1985 PCW 255
MICROMART MICROMART MICROMART
USED COMPUTER
BARGAINS
Rair Business Computer, 20 Megabyte hard disk, 4 Hi Res
colour terminals, Hermes high speed line printer. CPM86
and PC DOS, 8 + 16 bit. WordStar professional accounts
and spreadsheet. 6 months old, cost-£20,000, now
complete.£6,000
Commodore 8032 + 8050,1 meg drive + software £795
ACT Sirius 128k, 1.2 meg.£995
ACT wide matrix printer for Sirius.£200
Sharp MZ3500, twin disks, 2*Z80, CP/M, monitor,
software.£595
Epson MX80 for above computer.£120
TEC FP1500 d/w printer.£225
Commodore 8000 second processor (Z80) + CP/M
software.£95
PBM CPU 5 meg Winchester + floppy + terminal +
software.£595
Comart CPU 5 meg Winchester + floppy + terminal, has
boards to run extra terminal.£595
Northstar Advantage twin floppy.£595
Commodore 8000 software
Tel: 021-706 9748 Mondays or Thursdays
(Answerphone on other days)
MICROSAVE SYSTEMS
SOLIHULL, WEST MIDLANDS
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Up to 400 disks packed with
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ARNOLD BLACKWOOD — ADVENTURER
EXTRAORDINAIRE
THE TRIAL OF ARNOLD BLACKWOOD
A very worthwhile addition to the Adventurers’ library .. .
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THE WISE & FOOL OF ARNOLD
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*ANGELIQUE: A GRIEF ENCOUNTER
The first Romantic Adventure with an emphatically
feminine heroine.
Each Adventure £6.50 inc. By return post
Cheques/POs to:
NEMESIS
10 CARLOW ROAD, RINGSTEAD
KETTERING, N0RTHANT NN14 4DW
Tel: 0933 623967
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IBM, TANDY, EPSON, etc
all models bought for cash
MORGAN CAMERA
COMPANY
179 Tottenham Court Road,
London W1.
Tel: 01-636 1138
DOCUMENT YOUR
BASIC PROGRAMS
★ VARLIST, a basic programmer’s
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machines.
★ Produces a list of variables from
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where they occur.
★ Results can be printed out or used
as a disk file and be edited by a
standard word processor.
★ Contains a library of reserved
words which can be changed to suit
different dialects of basic.
£65 + Basic (includes P&P)
Cash with order, or write for further
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Amos Spence Ltd
92 Burley Road, Leeds LS3 1 JP
Quick — before you spend £250
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PC JOTTER £45
A speedy, handy word processor/
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— Autowrap and right margin justification if
required. Adjustable margins and tabs.
— Keeps backup file, or read only (browse)
mode.
— Find and replace functions.
— Block moves, print marked block, or write
marked block to a file. 1
— Read a file into the text.
— Include control characters for direct control
of your printer.
(Price excludes VAT. Order value,
£45 + £6.75 VAT)
Cheque with order to:
MICROCOSM COMPUTING
52 Tower Street, Harrogate HG1 1HS
Tel: (0423) 62055
O’LEVELS
not just revision but also tuition for the
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MATHEMATICS
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8 PROGRAMS
7 PROGRAMS
6 PROGRAMS
8 PROGRAMS
8 PROGRAMS
8 PROGRAMS
8 PROGRAMS
Each of the programs in a set are divided into between 4
and 14 tutorial sections, making as many as 70 overall.
Each section consists of a number of pages of instructive
text and diagrams, followed by questions, which where
possible are randomly generated.
As used in schools and colleges
Each subject only £4.95
BORED WITH BASIC?
Teaching versions of Pascal and C languages, including
a screen editor and 48 page tutorial manual. Trace
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Each language only £4.95
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SPECIALISTS IN THE SUPPL Y OF BULK CUSTOM
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UNIT 4, 7 MARY ST, BRADFORD BD4 8SW
TEL: (0274) 731651
256 PCW AUGUST 1985
TABS Business Centres provide a complete range of computer products
to help you run your business more efficiently.
Whether you need a simple business computer to run your sales ledger and handle your
correspondence or a multi-user system with an integrated accountancy package, you
will find everything you need - all in one place.
You will get free expert advice from people who understand the business world,
and who have a thorough knowledge of accountancy and microcomputers.
You will also get expert training on how to use your system, a professional installation
service and full support for the hardware and the software.
tabs
TABS
PDQ
Rental Systems
•IBM IBM PC 64.
Monitor. Keyboard,
Mono Display Printer
Adaptor, DOS2.0 +
ACT APRICOT PC.
2 Disk Drives (Double
Sided), 720K +9" High
Resolution Monitor-
OLIVETTI M24 (Typical
System). Mono Display,
Keyboard + MSDOS,
2 Disk Drives
TABS PDQ 1.2, Mono
Display, Keyboard +
MSDOS, 2 Disk Drives
800K
Tandon Drive.
Mono.
360/720Kb.
£24.44 per week + VAT
£21.76 per week + VAT
£21.30 per week + VAT
£20.69 per week + VAT
Over 36 months
Over 36 months
Over 36 months
Over 36 months
rental period
rental period
rental period
rental period
PDG10. Mono Display,
Keyboard + MSDOS,
1 Disk Drive 800K +
1 Winchester 10Mb.
IBM XT. Monitor.
Keyboard, DOS 2.0,
Mono Display Printer
APRICOT Xi 10,1 Disk
Drive + Winchester
10Mb + 9" High
M24 (Hard Disk
System), Mono Display,
Keyboard + MSDOS,
Adaptor.
Resolution Monitor -
Mono.
1 Disk Drive 360/720Kb,
1 Winchester 10Mb
£41.20 per week + VAT
£37.38 per week + VAT
Over 36 months
Over 36 months
£31.97 per week + VAT
£41.62 per week + VAT
rental period
rental period
Over 36 months
Over 36 months
rental period
rental period
TABS Business Centres offer a Rental
Plan which is ideal for companies
preferring to keep their capital intact for
use within the business rather than tying
it up in depreciating assets. The plan
allows for the system to be upgraded at
regular intervals without high
cancellation penalties and includes -
maintenance and insurance. ^
s
Business Centre ’phone:
0722-338668 I
I FROM £10,000 CREDIT
Simply fill in the coupon and return it to:
*The IBM PC and XT are only I
available from TABS Business •
Centre, Salisbury' and those i
TABS Business Centres who |
are IBM authorised PC dealers..
TABS Ltd, Dolphin House, New Street, Salisbury,Wilts. Please allow 14 days for reply.
The TABS RENTAL CARD is valid at all TABS Business Centres.
I WISH TOlKPPLY FOR RENTAL CREDIT FACILITY.
Name_____
Address_
.Tel No.
Company Business Name
Nature of Business_
Bankers_
Account No_
.Position.
_ Branch _
- Signature-
PCW8-85
J
Announcing the personal decision-support system that lets you exploit your mainframe data
With PC/FOCUS,
your corporate data
is all yours.
^ Tb personally
Bk. access and
process and
act upon.
PC 4
Yes, I’d like
to attend a
convenient PC/FOCUS
management briefing,
alongwith of
my colleagues.
□ Please call me with details.
□ Just send information.
□ Please arrange a demonstration.
Name:
Position:
Organisation:
Address:
I
I Telephone:
| Mainframe type:
I send to: Sue Gorasia.PC/FOCUS Marketing.
Information Builders (UK) Ltd. Station House.
J^Harrow Road. Wembley HA9 6DE. 01 -903 61 ■JJ
PCBG
'C/FOCUS is
he most powerful DBMS
available foryour PC. In fact,
virtually a mainframe-level system,
developed from the acclaimed FOCUS
4th-generation applications development
and information management software.
New Table Talk topples typing
PC/FOCUS integrates a relational database, report writers, a
screen manager, graphics, and statistical analysis. Plus the vital
new TableTalk window manager lets you make the most of these
features, and your own corporate data, all without typing a word.
The micro/mainframe connection
PC/FOCUS works on PC files, as well as extracting and selecting
information from mainframe files and databases. With PC/FOCUS
you can upload data and personally developed procedures from
your PC to your IBM mainframe, all with English commands.
Base your decisions on your data
PC/FOCUS is the tried and tested high-level DBMS that delivers
what others only promise.
No longer is your corporal e data for DP use only. And no longer
is application development a prerogativeofprogrammers. Let
Information Builders' PC/FOCUS, your own creativity and your
department's computing needs, unlock your corporate data for
your personal use.
Complete and send the coupon today, to attend a PC/FOCUS
special briefing, or to request more PC/FOCUS facts.
And keep computing personal.
PC/FOCUS. From Information Builders. For your future
For under £30 this ROM-based
package from MIRACLE TECHNOLOGY
will give you, your modem and your
BBC computer access to Prestel\
Micronet*, Viewdata, telex, electronic
mail, bulletin boards and databases,
handling baud rates of 1200/1200,
75/1200,1200/75 and 300/300.
Features include carousel facility,
Macro Command File, error trapping
and telesoftware downloading.
The package, including full fitting
instructions, User Guide and Function
Key Guide costs £29.90 inc VAT & UK
P/P. Optional keypad for use with
DataBeeb’s carousel is an extra £11.44
inc if ordered with DataBeeb (£12.59 inc
separately).
To get your BBC on-line - clip the
coupon today!
Please send me
□ DataBeeb packages @ £29.90 inc VAT &
UK P/P.
C] Databeeb keypads @ £11.44 inc.
□ I enclose cheque/postal order
[H charge my Access/Visa card no:
expiry date . ... / .... / ... .
Name .
Address.
.Postcode.
send to:
BBC Support (4), Miracle Technology (UK) Ltd,
St Peters Street, Ipswich IP11XB. Tel 0473-50304.
‘mad trade marks of the companies concerned
. . . with the Multi-Viewterm/Datatari
modem serial interface plus software
package from Miracle Technology.
This unique comms package gives
ATARI* users full Prestel* facilities,
including graphics, and allows access
to Micronet*, Viewdata systems, telex,
electronic mail, bulletin boards and
databases. Datatari handles baud
rates of 1200/75, 75/1200,1200/1200,
300/300. 850 interface not required.
For models 400, 800, 600XL, 800XL,
65XE, 65XEM and 130XE used with
suitable modems.
To get your ATARI on-line, all the way,
clip the coupon today.
Please send me
D Multi-Viewterm/Datatari packages @ £59.95
inc VAT + £1.15 UK P/P.
CH I enclose cheque/postal order
EH charge my Access/Visa card no:
expiry date ..../..../
Name .
Address.
.Postcode.
send to:
Atari Support 1, Miracle Technology (UK) Ltd,
St Peters Street, Ipswich IPl 1XB.
Tel 0473-50304.
*reg'd trade marks of the companies concerned
^MIRACLE
Wtechnoiogy
Lynnem
Acoustic Hoods
As approved and recommended by British
Telecom and IBM.
today’s office
Lynnem Computer Products have over 15 years
experience in providing the complete solution to the
problems of noise caused by today's office
equipment.
Built to meet your exact requirement
So before you buy an acoustic hood talk to our
experts and compare ours with the Rest 1 .
Lynnem Computer Products Ltd
277 London Road, Burgess Hill
Sussex RH15 9QU Tel: 04446 3377/6632
SHARP 111 7.-m®
SHARPSOFT USER NOTES srfTiSS
totally dedicated to the MZ700. They contain program listings, editorial
articles, readers letters and plenty of tips and hints on using the MZ700.
Qfl CT 1/1/A D C Sharpsoft have the finest range of programs for
Owl I lirtnC the MZ700 from machine code arcade action
games to programming aids, utiliities and business applications.
UARnUI/ADC We sPftciati** in periphals and accessories
nMnUVVMnC necessary for expanding your MZ700 system:
Printers, Disc Drives, Hi-Res Graphics, Interfaces, Cables, Pens, Paper Rolls,
Monitors etc . . .
SHARPSOFT 'WITH THE SHARP USER IN MIND'
Please send me: PCVW^>
□ USER NOTES '84 (UK) £3.00 □ USER NOTES '84 (OVERSEAS £6.00
Please join me for:
□ USER NOTES '85 (UK) £3.50 □ USER NOTES '85 (EUROPE) £6.00
□ USER NOTES '85 (OVERSEAS) £7.50
□ Please send me more information on HARDWARE and SOFTWARE.
I own MZ711, MZ721, MZ731 (Please delete).
I enclose a Cheque/P.O. for £___ Access/Visa_ /_/_
Name: _
Address: _.
SHARPSOFT LIMITED, 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE
Tel: 01-739 8559
MIRACLE
'^TECHNOLOGY
Sorry lads,
we've ripped off
your best bits.
Making the new Epson QX-16 with Taxi’ probably the
best all-round 16-bit micro, ever.
It’s Epson’s cracking new software, Taxi, that gives
the QX its friendly, Mac-like user interface, which not only
features fully customizable/modifiable icons and pop-up
menus, but also a mouse.
use,
Taxi also makes industry standard software so easy to
millions more people out there will want this new,
friendly micro — and of course, Taxi
comes only with the QX-16. From
□ TJ Managing Director right down to clerk,
anyone can use the QX-16 with Taxi,
whatever their line of business.
All that, yet it costs no more than an IBM or an Apple.
It’s been a pleasure, writing this ad. All I did was size
up the competition and rip off their best bits. And why not?
Because through Taxi that’s just what Epson’s done.
But why take the word of a silver-tongued ad man? —
I’m only trying to rip you off, right?
Try me — by doing a little bit of ripping off, yourself.
Looks like the QX-16 with Taxi will be a doddle to sell. Please let rip with the details.
Name-pcwe- ox-^
Company-
Address-
Tel. No:_
Epson (U.K.) Ltd., Dorland House, 388 High Road, Wembley,
Middlesex HA9 6UH, U.K. Telephone: 01-902 8892.
EPSON
Ace down the line.
Punch data down the line with
Miracle Technology's Modem
WS2000.
WS2000 links your computer
into the world-wide telephone
network — the world of PRESTEL.
Telecom Gold. Telex. MICRONET,
databases and bulletin boards.
Flexible, versatile, high quality
WS2000 wins every point, as over
11.000 business and home users
know. MICRONET recommended.
PCN Best Buy. British
Microcomputing Awards Finalist —
WS2000 plays its rival off the court!
CCtTT
iXT ERNA'_
COM SCt
ONLINE
Our match winner, with BT
telephone lead, mains power supply
and comprehensive manual, costs
£ 129.95 ex. (£ I 54.73 inc. VAT & UK
delivery). We can also supply the
necessary leads and software for
most computers — an unbeatable
service!
vmWTEXT
CARRIER £-•
ONLINE -
: A\:>
- LOCAL TEST j QRiG
^MIRACLE
(0 TECHNOLOGY
modem wb 2000
L A Prestel is a Registered Trade Mark of British Telecommunications PLC M kronet 800 is the Trading Style of Telemap Ltd and British Telecommunications PLC
fifiMIRACLE TECHNOLOGY
MIRACLE TECHNOLOGY (UK) LTD ST PETERS STREET IPSWICH IP1 1XB ENGLAND
f 1 © (0473) 50304 5 LINES TELECOM GOLD-79: KEY 001 lid 946240 CWEASY G 19002985
URGENTLY
REQUIRED
As a Games Software Developer, working under contract to several of the best
known software houses, we have an urgent requirement for high quality machine
code ATARI programmer to work on conversion from CBM 64 and SPECTRUM
titles.
*Good steady work and rates of pay apply.
Please send in C/V, together with any Software samples of recent works to:-
R. A. BUFFREY
15 HIGH STREET, LYDNEY
GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL15 5DP
Tel: 0594 43352
DRIVE A
TAXI
FREE
(INC. TIPS)
IBS HAVE IN STOCK A NUMBER OF EPSON QX-16S FOR YOU
TO TEST DRIVE— ABSOLUTELY FREE.
ALSO IN STOCK
WE HAVE THE WHOLE RANGE OF EPSON PRINTERS AND COMPUTERS
FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. PAYMENT IS POSSIBLE BY ALL THE
MAJOR CREDIT CARDS.
CONTACT US FOR FREE TAXI RIDES AND GREAT DEALS ON PRINTERS.
WE'LL GET YOU TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.
Immediate Business Systems pic
3 Clarendon Drive, Wymbush, Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire. MK8 8DA England
AUGUST 1985 PC W 273
COMLEX
COMPUTERS — PRINTERS — MONITORS — DRIVES — SOFTWARE
COMPUTERS
PRINTERS
MONITORS
BUSINESS SOFTWARE
Apricot FI e256K.
£535.00
MannesmanTally.
£173.00
Philips 7502 (Green).
£69.00
Lotus 1-2-3.
£295.00
Apricot FI 256K.
.£775.00
EpsonLX80.
£216.50
Philips (Amber).
£74.00
Wordstar 2000 .
£295.00
Apricot Point 7.
£2,700.00
Epson RX100.
£329.00
Philips 7513IBM.
.£83.00
Framework 1-1.
£319.00
Apricot Portable 256K1 x720K Drive.
.£845.00
Epson FX80.
£325.00
Microvitec 1431.
. £173.00
Supercalc 3.
£289.00
Apricot 256K 2x720K drives and monitor..
£1,525.00
Epson FX100.
£404.00
Microvitec1451.
. £234.00
Supercalc 2.
£189.00
Apricot Xi256K 10MB and monitor.
£2,175.00
EpsonJX80.
£416.00
Microvitec 1441.
. £365.00
dBase III.
£319.00
Apricot Xi 512K10MB and monitor.
£2,595.00
Epson DX100 daisywheel.
£349.00
Microvitec IBM.
P.O.A
dBase II.
£235.00
Apricot Xi 512K 20MB and monitor.
£2,995.00
Epson LX1500.
£799.00
Pegasus Accounts.
P.O.A.
Advance 86B.
. £750.00
Epson HI80.
£329.00
Map Accounts.
P.O.A.
Ferranti 860.
. P.O.A
Canon1080A .
£243.00
Wordstar Professional.
£259.00
Ferranti 86010MB.
.P.O.A
Canon1156A.
£329.00
Multi mate 3.3.
£259.00
Sanyo 555 .
£798.00
Juki 61 00 .
£321.00
Multiplan.
£185.00
P.C.HarddiscupgradelOMB
. £899.00
Juki 6300 .
£799.00
Chitchat.
£109.00
P C. Hard disc upgrade 20MB.
A.T.HarddiscupgradelOMB.
£1,130.00
£645.00
Sheet feederforthe above.
Silver Reed 400.
£179.00
£275.00
BBC DISC DRIVES
Other software packages available —
phone for details.
A.T. Hard disc upgrade 20MB
. £820.00
Silver Reed 500.
£325.00
Opus 5401 .
. £86.00
Silver Reed 550.
£499.00
Opus 5802 .
. £121.00
Silver Reed 770.
£725.00
Opus5802D .
£274.00
Sheet feederfor550/770 .
£199.00
CumanaCFXlOO.
. £86.00
Further range of printers available —
CumanaCFX400 .
£121.00
phone for details.
CumanaCD800S.
.£274.00
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ORDERS WELCOME, EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOME
ADD £8.00 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY — ADD 15% VAT TO ORDER TOTAL
COMLEX
UNIT 7, FIFE STREET, NUNEATON, WARWICKSHIRE CV11 5PR
Tel: (0203) 371371
PATHFINDER
APRICOT COMPUTERS ex vat
Fie 256K1 x315K Disk Drive.£499
FI 256K 1x720K Disk Drive.£699
FP1 256K1 x720K Disk Drive.£845
FP2 512K 1 x 720K Disk Drive.£1149
PC 256K 2x315K Disk Drives.£1199
PC 256K 2x720K Disk Drives.£1349
XilO 256K 10Mb Winchester.£2049
Xil 0s 512K10Mb Winchester.£2645
Xi20 512K 20Mb Winchester.£2849
Xi20s 1Mb 20Mb Winchester.£3415
APRICOT MONITORS
(FI, PC or Xi range)
9" Mono £170 12" Mono £212 10" Colour £349
OLIVETTI COMPUTERS
M24 256K 2x360K Disk Drives.£1675
M24 256K 2x760K Disk Drives.£1910
M24 256K 10Mb Winchester .£2800
M21 256K 2x360K Disk Drives.£1580
M21 256K 2x760K Disk Drives.£1805
PRINTERS ex vat
BROTHER HR 5.£140
BROTHER HR 15 18cps.£330
BROTHER HR 25 25cps.£635
BROTHER HR 35 35cps.£745
CANON PW 1080A 160cps (NLQ).£285
CANON PW1156A 160cps (NLQ).£385
DIABLO 630 ECS API £1865
DIABLO 630 ECS IBM-PC.£1725
EPSON RX80F/T + lOOcps.£225
EPSON LX 80 lOOcps (NLQ).£215
EPSON FX100 160cps.£445
EPSON LQ1500 200cps (NLQ). £895
JUKI 6100 20cps. £349
JUKI 6300 40cps.£779
NEC PINWRITER P2180cps.£395
QUME LETTERPRO 12/20 20cps. £495
QUME SPRINT 11/40 40cps.£1215
QUME SPRINT 11/55 55cps.£1440
QUME SPRINT 11/90 90cps.£1925
RICOH 1600S 32K 60cps.£1495
RITEMAN II 160cps (NLQ).£299
SOFTWARE
CASHLINK.£445
CAXTON CARDBOX.£165
dBASEII.£265
dBASE III.£325
DMS DELTA 4.£375
DMS DELTA +.£155
FRAMEWORK.£345
FRIDAY.£135
KNOWLEDGEMAN.£380
LOTUS 123.£345
MICROSOFT WORD
MULTIMATE. £295
MULTIPLAN.£130
OPEN ACCESS.£340
SAGE ACCOUNTS.£250
SAGE EXECUTIVE.£495
SAGE CHITCHAT.£115
SUPERCALC 3.£215
SYMPHONY.£425
WORDSTAR.£195
WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL.£260
3M is a trademark
Order all your Computer require¬
ments from Pathfinder Computer
Systems and you may be sure of
prompt delivery, superlative value
and efficient, trouble-free opera¬
tion.
3 M DISKETTES
Price/box of ten
1-4
5-9
3.5" SS.
.£34.00
£31.00
3.5" DS.
£44.50
£41.00
5.25" SS/DD 48tpi
£15.00
£14.00
5.25" DS/DD 48tpi
.£19.10
£18.00
5.25" SS/DD 96tpi
£23.00
£20.70
5.25" DS/DD 96tpi
£24.80
£22.80
5.25" IBM PC AT.
£44.00
£39.50
Authorised Distributor
Data Recording Products
Please contact us for our Competitive
Quotation for all of you Computer Supplies
(ie: Disk Boxes, Ribbons, Paper, Calm
Covers, Files, etc).
Pathfinder Computer Systems
55 Bridge Street/Motor Street
Manchester M3 3BQ
England
Telephone 061-832 8272/7707
We accept Official Orders
from UK Government and
Educational Establishments.
*ccr%s
M.NrViVIM
VISA
i- : - i
PCW AUGUST 1985
Silicon Chip
No. 1 FOR ATARI*
Atari 520 ST
PRICES
Atari 520 ST
+ 1500k Disk Drive
+ Black & White
Monitor £749.99
The prices of the ST from SILICON
CHIP Ltd, include Basic, logo, GEM
write, BOSS operating systems and
GEM paint.
POWER WITHOUT THE
PRICE
Chipsoft Integrated Accounts
Package:-
Including Stock Control,
Norminal, Sales and Purchase
Ledgers £250
ST/Centronics Printer lead £29.99
ST/Midilead £14.99
Final prices and specs may be
subject to change.
GUARANTEE
Our EXCLUSIVE Direct
Exchange Guarantee is
available FREE OF CHARGE
to all our customers.
If a product purchased from
SILICON CHIP becomes faulty
due to a manufacturing or
component defect, within ONE
YEAR of purchase, we will,
subject to availability,
exchange for new.
SPECS
512K RAM.
Expandable Rom.
MIDI Interface. RS232
Serial/Centronics Parallel
Interfaces. Floppy Disk and Hard
Disks Interfaces. RGB Video and TV
outputs. Sound Generator with 3 channels.
2 Joystick Ports. 3 Graphics and Text Modes -
320x200 = 512 colours, 640x200 = 4 colours, 640x400 B/W.
16 Bit Motorola 68000 Microprocessor running at 8 mHz.
SILICON CHIP LTD, Showroom address:
302 High Street, Slough, Berkshire. Tel: 0753 70639
* 1 st Atari Business Centre.
* 1 st Dealer for 130 XE.
* 1 st Dealer for 1029 Printers.
* 1 st Dealer with our own Software House for Software Support.
* 1 st Dealer for 520 ST
Please phone or write for full details. Dealer enquiries welcome
AUGUST 1985 PCW
SYSTEMS LTD
Simply the lowest price
printer suppliers
anywhere in the UK
KIRKLANDS BUSINESS
PRINTER
SUPER DEAL
EPSON Price Breakthrough
LX80 £240.00 FX80 £355.00 DX100 (Daisy) £410.00
LX80 Tractor Feed £20.00 FX100 £465.00 LQ1500 £920.00
RX100 £375.00 JX80 £483.00 H180 Plotter £380.00
STOP PRESS: The new Epson LX80 with Tractor Drive available from us now. (Letter
quality print). Just £250.00
Beautiful BROTHER Printers
HR5 £148.35 HR35 £793.50 New 2024 £900.00
HR15 £378.35 New Ml009 £178.25
HR25 £631.35 EP44 £212.75
LOOK: Now Available. Double sided double density discs (usually XIDEX or FUJI BRAND)
with our own labels. ONLY £14.00/Box 10. P&P 50p per box.
We also stock all printer peripherals — call us for the best prices in the UK
All prices include VAT. P&P Next day: £12.00 or £8.00 for normal service. Educational
orders welcome
All products carry a FULL 1 YEAR WARRANTY. Shop hours: 9.00-5.30 Mon-Fri
KIRKLANDS BUSINESS SYSTEMS LTD
KIRKLAND HOUSE, 27 CITY ROAD, STOKE
Tel: 0782 414333
PC USERS
O YOU COMMUNICATE?
Turn your PC into a window on the world and communicate with the new world of
electronic mail, databases and networks.
Send telexes around the world, gather information from a database and link to
electronic mail networks such as BT Gold, Easylink, One to One, Prestel etc.
Modem House supply all equipment to turn your PC or compatible into a
communicating machine. Software and Hardware is perfectly matched to ensure
that all YOUR requirements are met, present and future.
COMPLETE SYSTEMS FROM £150 TO £2500.
1985 IS THE YEAR OF COMMUNICATIONS
SO COMMUNICATE WITH MODEM HOUSE NOW!
MODEM HOUSE
IOLANTHE DRIVE EXETER DEVON EX4 9EA Tel: (0392) 69295
AUGUST 1985 PC W 275
THE BYTESHOP
SOUTHAMPTON
SOUTH COAST’S
LEADING NETWORK
SPECIALISTS
COME AND SEE THE
IBM NETWORK
IN OPERATION
RING RUSS WILMOT
FOR A DEMONSTRA TION
Tel: SOUTHAMPTON
< 0703)334711
FATTEN
UP YOUR MAC
AS DESCRIBED IN JULY ’85
PCW, LET DIGITAL CIRCUITS
TAKE THE RISK OUT OF
UPGRADING YOUR MACINTOSH.
WE WILL UPGRADE YOUR
MACINTOSH FROM 128K TO
512K FOR ONLY
£200.00 (P&P EXTRA)
Telephone:
DIGITAL CIRCUITS LTD
ON 01-979 2680
ASK FOR MR W. WEEKS
LEIGH COMPUTER SYSTEMS
NORTH STAR DIMENSION
THE IBM COMPATIBLE
Multi-User System (up to 12 users), 15Mb hard disk and 2-user
stations complete with VDU running IBM graphics.£6,300
Each subsequent work station (8088 CPU 128k RAM).£1,450
apricot FULL RANGE —
1 COMPUTERS
Advanced 86B.
£750
Ferranti 860 .
£1,249
Ferranti 86010Mb
£2.150
Sanyo 555 + monitor.
£795
Commodore PC.
£1,499
HARD DISKS
EXTERNAL:
10Mb.
£1,285
20Mb.
£1,495
INTERNAL:
PC 10Mb.
£955
PC 20Mb.
£1,250
AT 10Mb.
£695
AT 20Mb.
£895
MONITORS
Philips 7502 (green).
£74
Philips 7522 (amber).
£78
Philips 7513 (IBM).
£89
Microvitec 1431.
£189
Microvitec 1451.
£235
Microvitec 1441.
£389
Microvitec IBM monitors .
. . prices on
application.
PRICES ON APPLICATION
1 PRINTERS
Mannesmann Tally MT80.
£175
Epson LX80.
£218
Epson RX100.
£339
Epson FX80.
£324
Epson FX100.
£415
Epson JX80.
£425
Epson DX100 Daisywheel
£355
Epson LQ1500 .
£825
Epson HI80.
£355
Canon 1080A
£251
Canon 1156A
£339
Juki 6000.
£325
Juki 6300
£825
Sheet feeder for above
£185
Silver Reed 400.
£275
Silver Reed 500
£325
Silver Reed 550 .
£499
Silver Reed 770 .
£725
Sheet feeder for 550/770 .
£199
DISK DRIVES
CUMANA/OPUS
CFX100/5401.
£89
CSX400/5802 .
£129
CD800S/5802D.
.£279
Other drives available . . .
phone for details.
All price exclusive of VA T and £8 carriage.
Seminars available on range of standard software —
phone for details. Many other products supplied, including
many standard business software packages at competitive
prices. Competitive prices matched on cash and carry.
75 CROSS STREET 7 COVENTRY ROAD
SALE HINCKLEY
GREATER MANCHESTER LEICESTERSHIRE
Tel: 061-905 2144 Tel: 0455 612139
manage FIXED ASSETS with
ASSET MANAGER
and control your capital investment
★ apricot (FI to Xi) and Sirius/Victor
★ stand-alone or integrated with Pegasus,
Pulsar or TABS
★ 5 depreciation methods available, also
caters for no depreciation (eg land)
★ depreciates to any residual value; caters
for grant aid received
★ detail schedule of fixed assets; assets can
be grouped (eg motor cars) for a
summary schedule
★ full audit trail
BIMACS Limited
48 Wood Street
Lytham St Annes
FY8 1QG
Tel: 0253 723221
Thn toftwart
Ku oflKiiWy
rKofniud by ACT
for uk with April <X
A Stnutpmonii
Computer*
276 PCW AUGUST 1985
ADVERTISERS INDEX
A
Disking
15
I.
Q
ACT
120.121
Display Telecommunication Corp
179
Lamnia
122
Oume
119
Aclcl
70
Downing Electronics
41
Lantech
93
Advanced Resources
70
Laskys
84,85
Aegis
139
Leabus
35
R
Alphadise
66
E
Leigh Computer Systems
276
Regional Systems
107
Amslrad
88. 89
Epson 80.81.223.225
1>*>7 ')'>!)
Living Software
129
Robocom
90
ATI
4
231.
267.
London Computer Centre
94
Autoram
78
269. 270. 271
M
s
B
F
Macob
75
Sage
82,83
Barbatan
147
Ferranti
211
Mannesman Tally
103
Sanyo Micro Users Association
76
Bimaes
276
First Software
97
Maneos
75
Shckhana
112
Bits Per Second
98
Map *80 Systems
91
Silica Shop
47
Boot Out
98
G
Matmos
10
Silicon Chip
263
Brighton Computer Centre
113
Mayfair Micros
14,197
Silicon Valley
IFC.7
Business Land
104
(iarwood
112
Mcmorcx
108.109
Simon and Schuster/Softscl
32,33
The Byteshops
72
Grafox
151
Metacomco
65
Stirling
75
The Byteshop (Southampton)
276
Grey Matter
279
Microcomputer Services
165
Supermicro
139
Microgeneral
12
Swanley
70
H
Microperipherals
IBC
System Science
93
c
Microprocessor 1 • ngineering
41
Cambridge Computer Store
78
1 lalscy and Co
141
Microproducts International
132
Cambridge Microelectronics
77
1 layden Software/Softsel
38,39
Microrcnt
68
Carrera
35
Ili-Soft
93.98
Mighty Micros
159
T
CDS
125
Hi-Tech
197
Mill 1 lill Computers
141
Tabs
43
Cerae
94
Honeywell
5
Mini Micros
94
Tandy
95
Chromasonic
113
Mirage Micros
76
Tashia
II. 13
C-Itoh
74
I
Modem 1 louse
275
Technomatic
114
Clive Computer Systems
215
Modular Technology
76
Thoughts and Crosses
9
Compuplant
9
IDS
112
Morgan Camera
106
Timatic
141
Computateeh
197
Insurance Solutions Consultants
35
Morse Computers
117
Trisoft
159
Computer Hnterprises International
37
Intcrlcx
41
Twillstar
107
Concordia
4
Immediate Business Systems
273
Crest matt
155
ITS
16
N
Cumana
69
Network
70
u
Northwest Computer Supplies
105
U-Micros
87
b
J
-
Data Distributors
96
Juki
193
o
V
Data Star
45
Opus
14
Vignesh
79
Da-Vinci
67
Vision Stor
91
Digital C ircuits
276
K
P
Vi/.a Software
173
Digital Research
201
KDS
4
Pam Computers
16
Digitask
75.126
Keelecodes
10
Pathfinders
274
Digithurst
122
Kcmpston
77
PC. Communications
127
w
Digitus
1
Kendall
157
Personal Computers
OBC
Westwood
41
Disco-Technology
73
Kestrel
159
Pinner Word Pro
105
Wollerown
92
Discount Micros
71
Kirklands
275
Programme Technology
189
Worldwide
86
MICROMART ADVERTISERS INDEX
A
E
L
P
Ack Data
248 Eden Trade Computers
241 1 .eicester Computer Supplies
250 Paul Fray
251
A-Line
233
Logical Microsystems
244 PCM 1 ltd
256
Altek Electronics
253
Logifix
238 Peterson Electronics
234
AMA
243 F
Logiteeh
243 Premier Systems
244
Amos Spence
256 Figure Flow
242
Professional Magnetics
246
Anita Electronics
236 Frimpton Computer Centre
246.247
Ashley Computers
249,251
M
JP Magnetics
256 R
Micro City
252 Ringdalc Engineering
244
B
(i
Micrologic Consultants
239
BBD Dust Covers
253 GCE Tutoring
256 Micromods
248.250
Binary Banana
242 GoTo Computing
245 Microjiowcr
251 S
Budget Typesetting
234
Microsave Systems
256 Software Technology
247
Mid Surrey Media
240 Sumlock Electronics
238
H
MU 1 Technology
255 Supersoft
235.247
c
1 lemel Computer Centre
250 Morgan Camera
256 Synchronicity
246
Cairn Associates
233 1 iilltcc Electronics
232
Carousel Tapes
253 Hollbarn Ltd
252
Cenprime
246
N
T
Commercial Products
232
Nemesis
256 Trisoft
235,237.239.241
K
Newcrown Computers
232 TV Services of Cambridge
248
Kambal Data Systems
237 Northside Computers
254
D
KECM
238
Datatcch
242 KGJ Insurance
252
w
D+ R Electronics
236 Kingsley Enterprises
234 O
WD Software
245
Disco Technology
255 KK Stationers
239 One Stop Micro Service
254 Wordsmiths
236
HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES
PASCAL COMPILERS
The new version 3.0 of TURBO Pascal
is here. Some Microsoft & DR products
are at bargain prices. We also have a
selection of Pascal Libraries and
Toolboxes not shown here.
8-bit Nevada Pascal (JRT4) £ 40
Turbo Pascal v3.0 £ 55
DR Pascal/WIH- £ 99
Pro Pascal £199
16-bit Utah Pascal (JRT) £ 40
Turbo Pascal v3.0 £ 55
Microsoft Pascal £ 95
SBB Personal £160
SBB Professional £395
Practical Pascal £145
Pro Pascal £290
DR Pascal/MIM-86 £295
FOr information or advice call us.
MODULA-2 & ADA
New products this north are the
Zurich native code compiler for
Z80,
the Interface Technologies Compiler,
a delightful product for the IBM PC,
and the ’affordable' JANUS C-Pack.
MODULA-2 COMPILERS
Modula Corp (MS-DOS,Apple)
£ 95
Zurich Carpi ler (Z80 CPM)
£160
Volition (various) fran £265
Logitech (MS-DOS,CP/M-86)
£380
Interface Technologies(PC-DOS)
£225
ADA (subset) COMPILERS
Augusta (CP/M-80)
£ 80
Supersoft (CP/M-80)
£180
Janus D-Pack(CP/M-86,MS-DOS)
£895
Janus C-Pack(CP/M-86,MS-DOS)
£150
Janus (CP/M-80)
£125
For information or advice call
us.
THE BASIC LANGUAGE
In addition to an exceptional range
of structured basics we have bargains
among the Microsoft BASIC's,
8-bit CRASIC
£125
CBASIC Carpiler
£385
MBASIC Interpreter
£ 80
MBASIC Carpi ler (BASC0M)
£375
BBC BASIC Interpreter
£ 95
S-BASIC Carpiler
£185
AL00R multi-BASIC
£135
16-bit GW-BASIC 1.0 Interpreter £ 80
GW-BASIC 2.0 Interpreter £ 95
GW-BASIC Carpiler
£125
MS-BASIC Interpreter
£330
MS-BASIC Carpiler
£135
MS Bus.Basic Carpiler
£440
CBASIC
£250
CBASIC Carpiler
£450
Applications BASIC
£395
Better BASIC
£195
MEGABASIC
£375
Professional BASIC
£ 99
ALCOR Multi-BASIC
£135
Far advice or information call
us.
in ti
4 Priqq Meadow, Ashburton. Devon TO 13 7DF
TEL (0364) 53499
The products listed here are a
very
diverse grouping. If you suspect
that
you need more than a conventional
'procedural' language to solve
your
problem then we can advise which of
these languages might suit you.
PROLOG
8-bit micro-PROLOG
£ 75
PROLOG-1
£225
16-bit PROLOG-86
£135
micro-PROLOG v3.1
£150
micro-PROLOG v4.0
£265
PROLOG-1
£299
LISP
8-bit Toolworks LISP/80
£ 45
iLisp
£ 80
Waltz Lisp
£170
imLisp-80
£190
16-bit Toolworks LISP/86
£ 45
BYSO LISP
£ 95
IQ Lisp
£195
muLisp-86
£240
Gold Cannon Lisp
£550
NIAL, SNOBOL, muMATH
muMath/muSimp fran
Q'Nial (IBM PC)
£240
£350
SNOBOL4+
£ 85
EXPERT SYSTEM SHELLS
Micro Expert
£500
APES
£180
ES/P ADVISOR
£595
SMALLTALK
Methods (PC-DOS)
£265
Far advice or information call
us.
FORTRAN COMPILERS
We are introducing here the Lahey and
RM professional quality Fortran 77
compilers. Our Microsoft 16-bit
compiler is a bargain. We also stock
several Fortran Libraries
8-bit Nevada Fortran
£ 35
Pro-Fortran
£199
Microsoft Fortran
£475
16-bit Microsoft Fortran
£ 95
DR Fortran 77
£270
Pro-Fortran
£290
Lahey Fortran F77L
£495
RM/FORTRAN 77
£495
Far advice car information call
us.
PRICES & DELIVERY
Prices do not include VAT or other
local taxes but do include delivery
in UK & Europe. Please check prices
at time of order, ads cure prepared
some weeks before publication.
Many other products are stocked for
which there is no space here.
We welcome payment by credit cards
including telephone orders.
1 1
joiT iiiiiT m m a riinTTiTSTI
Ijrt'Cllii 1VLA1 I HiJK
THE C LANGUAGE
New versions from Aztec, Wizard,
Toolworks and Microsoft, the new C-
TERP,
several new libraries, and
lower
prices for Lattice & Aztec.
C COMPILERS
8-bit
Aztec C II vl.06D
£160
Aztec C65 vl.05C
£160
BDS C vl.50a
£110
Toolworks C/80 v3.1
£ 45
Eco-C v3.1
£190
16-bit
Aztec C86/BAS vl.06D
£160
Aztec C86/PRO v3.2
£350
Cl Optimizing C86 v2.2
£295
C-Systems C v2.0
£210
De Smet C88 v2.4
£145
Digital Research C vl.l
£270
Lattice C v2.14
£350
Mark Williams MWC86 2.0 £425
Microsoft C v3.0
CALL
Toolworks C/86 v3.1
£ 45
Wizard C v2.1
£395
C INTERPRETERS
Instant-C vl.01
£395
RUN/C vl.l
£130
C-terp
£295
Introducing C
£125
C LIBRARIES
Data
C-tree (source)
£325
base
Multikey
£170
db-VISTA (source)
£395
V-FILE
£295
Btrieve
£245
C-to-dBase (source)
£150
Phact
£250
SoftFocus Btree(source)
£ 90
dBC (dBASE III)
£195
Graphics Multi-HALO
£195
C Tools (source)
£110
Screen
Panel
£245
Lattice Windows
£235
Windows for C
£195
Curses
£110
Misc
Greenleaf Functions,see
i £175
C Food Smorgasbord
£150
PIink-86
£325
Pfix Plus
£325
C Helper, source
£135
C Refiner
£145
Basic C
£175
Bastoc
£325
More
libraries not listed here.
DISK COPYING SERVICE
Moving data and program files from
one machine to another is often made
difficult because different
manufacturers have adopted different
disk format standards.
We can copy your files to and from
over 400 disk formats including
CP/M, CP/M-86, MS-DOS, PC-DOS, ISIS,
APPLE, SIRIUS, TORCH, APRICOT, HP150,
TRSD06, EEC FT-11, and IBM BBF.
Disks are normally despatched on the
day they are received.
Our charge is £10.00 + disk + VAT.
Special prices for quantities.
Far mare information call us.
G otti
YMA1
4 Prigg Meadow. Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7DF
TEL. (0364) 53499
4 Pngg Meadow, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7DF
TEL (0364) 53499
AUGUST 1985 PCW
CHIP CHAT
Monday, July 15, 1985 FORWARD WITH BRITAIN
THE LOVELY LINDA
THE lovely Linda's not just a beautiful body, she's got
brains as well — just put her down by a micro and watch
her move. In fact, she gets so excited by the machine that
she’s had to develop her own style of air-conditioned
clothing. Note the high rise of the bottom part of this
outfit, especially designed to maintain muscle control
through all those happy hours of keyboard-bashing. And
check out the swept-back hair which prevents her view of
the screen being obscured — just another example of
brains meeting beauty. (Are you sure this is a Sinclair
machine , / thought they were small and black? Or perhaps
that's one in the bottom right-hand corner? Better check
before publishing.)
WORLD EXCLUSIVE
M IRROR Publisher
Robert Maxwell last
month mounted a dramatic
£12 million rescue bid for Sir
Clive Sinclair's home compu¬
ter company. Mr Maxwell
said: "I was glad to have been
able to help in the survival of
Sinclair Research, one of Bri¬
tain's great national assets. I
look forward to working with
Sir Clive — a man of brilliant
inventive genius."
Mr Maxwell and Sir Clive
talked for nine hours with their
advisers at the headquarters of
Mr Maxwell’s company, Perga-
mon in Oxford, before making
the announcement.
Sir Clive said: “I am quite
delighted to be associated with
Mr Maxwell, whom I have long
admired and who has been a
friend for many years. I am very
pleased that Sinclair Research
will be in such good hands with
its future assured.”
A statement from Downing
Street added: “The Govern¬
ment has been aware that these
SIR CLIVE:
"Which way's Oxford?"
talks have been going on, and it
welcomes any move to put the
Sinclair business on a firm
footing.”
SID GOES BONKERS
SID BONKERS is an angry chairman Robert Maxwell, is
man today following his fail- as sick as a parrot,
ure to become manager of
Oxford United, one of the Tired and emotional, he ex-
most coveted jobs in football. plained: “I can’t believe it. I’ve
The former Neasden suppor- flicked my way through some of
ter, who was not even given an the toughest matches ever played
interview by Oxford United on a Subbuteo pitch and taken a
team through the many leagues Manager on the Spectrum. Not
of Kevin Toms’ Football Mana- even International Soccer on the
ger, so you can understand how I Commodore, with its graphics
feel to have been rejected for this and sound, could seduce me away
job. from this English micro of
“I only ever played Football micros.”
FULL-TIME SCORES
3 Real Madrid.1
5 Retired QLs.1
Simon Bennett.Derby
Oxford Utd Reserves
Working QLs.
May winner.ChipChat
BINGO. BINGO. BINGO. NEWS. BINGO. BINGO. BINGO.
inters from fllic
ve #u more CF
>r ydur money“2
ivir iod - 165 cps
+ EPSON COMPATIBLE
NLQ PRINTER
for i
ABOUT
Orr 4U 4 colour
PORTABLE
PRINTER/PLOTTER
micro P
CPA 80 - 100 cps
+ EPSON COMPATIBLE
CPB80 - 130 cps
+ IBM COMPATIBLE
£199
FROM
Even in today's high tech world, for most of us, the written word is still
the least expensive means of sending and receiving information. If you
own a microcomputer the chances are that sooner or later you are
probably going to need a printer in order to get into print.
micro P - cpp4o
A low cost 4 colour 40/80 column printer/plotter capable of print¬
ing text or graphics on plain paper. The CCP40 is an ideal compan¬
ion for small and portable micro's, as it is fitted with re-chargeable
batteries — perfect for beginners.
micro P - CPA80
With 100 cps quality printing, the CPA80 probably gives more cps/
£ than any other printer available today. The CPA80 is packed with
features you would normally find on a more expensive printer.
With an optional RS232 version available (even for the QL) this
Epson compatible printer will hook up to almost any micro.
Buy from your local dealer today!
mkroP - MP165
Looking for a matrix printer as well as a daisywheel? Well, the
MP165 combines all the attributes of these two technologies to
give a matrix printer capable of printing at up to 165 cps, as well
as providing crisp Near Letter Quality, (NLQ) print at 75 cps.
Features include a 2k buffer as well as both friction and tractor
feed, as standard. Ideally suited to most popular micro's, the
MP165 is now available in a new RS232 QL compatible version.
rramkro
UU Peripheral/ ltd
"PRINTERS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS"
INTEC UNIT 3. HASSOCKS WOOD, WADE ROAD,
BASINGSTOKE, HANTS. ENGLAND, RG24 0NE.
Telephone: BASINGSTOKE (0256) 473232 (32 lines).
_ Telex: 859669 MICROP G Facsimile: 0256 461570 J
•Full 12 months warranty - RRP ex. VAT. QL is a registered Trade Mark
of Sinclair Research.
Macintosh-
and all that Jazz!
At our Macintosh Centre, you’ll be surprised how quickly you
can play solo on Apple’s Macintosh — even if it’s the first
computer you’ve ever laid hands on.
Now you can try JAZZ too — the brilliant new business
software from Lotus that’s designed specially for the
Macintosh, and makes full use of all its easy-to-use features.
JAZZ lines up five business essentials: word processing,
graphics, spreadsheet, database
and communications — yet even a
complete novice can be playing a
wide repertoire in just a couple of
hours.
In the heart of the City, The
Macintosh Centre has a full range of
business computers and software,
plus our professionals on hand for advice. Whether your
business is trad or modern, you’ll applaud the total support
services you get from the Personal Computers Macintosh
Centre . . . consultancy . . . expert training . . . qualified
engineering . . . plus an in-depth understanding of the
business software you need.
As one of the largest and longest established microcomputer
dealers in the UK, we have a history
of successful performances with
I the City’s leading firms.
Try a few of your favourite numbers
with JAZZ at our Macintosh Centre:
with backing from Personal Com¬
puters, you won’t have to sing the
blues.
218 & 220/226 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4JS
Telephone 01-377 1200
The
Macintosh
Centre
218 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4JS. Telephone 01-377 2060
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11